Abstract
General Practitioners (GPs) are well placed to identify problem gamblers and provide early intervention. To date there is no evidence to suggest that GP's are routinely screening patients for potential gambling problems. This paper discusses the prevalence of problem gambling, the links with other health problems and ways that GPs can assist. Results from a pilot project that provided educational resources to GPS are also discussed. Suitable screening tools are available that could easily be used by GPs to assess the possibility of gambling problems in patients who may be at increased risk but do not seek help. Early identification and intervention may help prevent a gambling habit escalating to a serious problem. More work needs to be done to increase awareness with GPs of the extent of problem gambling in our community and to alert patients to the fact that gambling can affect their health and that GPs can help.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 499-506 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | Journal of Gambling Studies |
| Volume | 23 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Dec 2007 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:Acknowledgements Funding for this pilot project was provided by Health Promotion SA, Department of Health, through the Gamblers’ Rehabilitation Fund (GRF). The GRF is funded by the Hotels Association of SA. The authors also wish to acknowledge the assistance of the staff of the Southern Division of General Practice with this project.