Physician documentation of family alcohol problems

This study was conducted to determine whether family medicine residents' documentation of patient and family alcohol problems corresponded with patients' assessments. A random sample of 180 patient charts from a university-based family practice was audited and 78% (n = 140) of these patients participated in telephone interviews. Of those who participated in the telephone interview, 40% (n = 56) reported a positive family history of drinking problems, 28% (n = 39) indicated that they were currently concerned about the alcohol use of someone in their family, and 24% (n = 34) reported that at least one family member currently had an alcohol problem. Ninety-six percent (n = 134) of the subjects indicated that they believed physicians should ask about family alcohol problems and 91% (n = 128) believed physicians could be helpful in alcohol treatment at least some of the time. The audit of the 180 medical records indicated that residents charted a positive family history on 13% (n = 23) of the records and noted impact upon the family due to a member's drinking in 2% (n = 4) of the records. The study revealed that residents frequently did not identify alcohol problems or related family difficulties and highlighted the need for training and education in this area.