Behavioral evaluation of fetal alcohol education for physicians

Assessment of clinical behavior has been neglected in evaluating alcohol training for professionals. Inclusion of a systematic drinking history in patient charts provides a sensitive yet simple behavioral marker. At Boston City Hospital, a Ten Question Drinking History (TQDH) was incorporated into a prenatal intake procedure and used to monitor staff behavior. Utilization of the TQDH, measured for six time periods, ranged from 92% to 33%. Obstetrical staff was more likely to complete the TQDH when the alcoholism research staff was visible in the clinic and readily available for consultation and referral.