Scandin-Alc expert workshop and course (May 2009, Stavanger, Norway)

The Scandin-Alc Expert Workshop drew together international experts in the field of alcohol research in surgical settings. The scope was the overall Scandin-Alc project, which aims to develop an effective treatment for reducing postoperative complications among alcohol patients undergoing surgery for ankle fractures.

The purpose of the Expert Workshop was to
I)    establish a common picture of the Scandin-Alc Project
II)    increase knowledge on issues relevant for the project
III)    discuss facilitators and obstacles for performance

The workshop resulted in fruitful discussions especially regarding specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, measurement of baseline characteristics and outcome measurements.

Following the expert workshop a 3-day Scandin-Alc course for project staff from Sweden, Norway and Denmark took place. The scope was to build up competences among the project staff, thus securing the optimal alcohol intervention focusing on alcohol cessation among surgical patients.

The course included inspiring presentations on different Scandin-Alc projects and other relevant issues such as surgery and ankle fracture, alcohol use disorder and intervention, alcohol history, patient information and inclusion and research methodology. This was supplemented by group exercises and plenum discussions. 
To complete the course and receive the course certificate the participants shall also perform at least 3 alcohol interventions, documented by their Head of Department.

The course was a success, not least because of the very engaged participants, who contributed to all aspects of the course. Many features regarding the alcohol intervention programme were discussed and related to the concrete surgical settings at the hospitals, where the intervention is going to take place.

Presentations and other material from both the Expert Workshop and Scandin-Alc course are available at the Scandin-Alc project zone here on this web page.