In order to assist GPs and nurses spot problem drinkers and help them, a Wanganui doctor has created a computer program. Now he wants that this program should be used countrywide.

Today, at the NZ College of General Practitioners convention in Christchurch, John McMenamin said that his system flagged patients who had not been questioned about their drinking habits. The people were posed three questions on the subject of drinking. If their answers revealed that they were taking more alcohol than suggested in the guidelines, it might result in another questionnaire.

Dr. McMenamin said that while there was nothing novel about nurses and GPs questioning people regarding their drinking habits, "what is different about the program we are offering here is that it is a structured approach with software which asks the questions and records the information".

He said that there will be a training program, which will train the nurses on how to use the software.

With this software, problem drinkers will be identified and will be referred to an expert, if need be. Dr. McMenamin, who is working with the Alcohol Advisory Council, said that this program has been tested in 35 centers in Wanganui.