GPs may quiz patients about gambling

GPs could soon take up the front line in detecting problem gamblers.

Under an arrangement being discussed with the Problem Gambling Foundation and the Ministry of Health, doctors would expand routine health checks to include questions about potential gambling problems.

Foundation research director Philip Townshend said many compulsive gamblers were reluctant to seek help, but felt safe confiding in their GP. Townshend said a recent pilot project indicated family doctors could enhance the detection and treatment of problem gamblers.

He said patients surveyed would be likely to disclose their problem to a trusted GP.

"We've shown that it's quite good at picking up gambling problems in families and it may be there's a whole range or other stigmatised problems the approach might work for too," Townshend said.

During a recent study involving the Problem Gambling Foundation, 7.4% of patients surveyed at 16 general practices admitted having a gambling problem.

The study, published in the New Zealand Medical Journal, also found that 15% of patients questioned were affected by another person's gambling.

Gambling experts say doctors are an untapped source for detecting problem gamblers and referring them for help.

"The GP setting has enormous potential for education, screening and early intervention," said Max Abbott, an Auckland University of Technology professor.

During its discussions with the Ministry of Health, the Problem Gambling Foundation has argued that doctors should be paid for their extra effort. "Where a doctor refers someone they should get paid for the time, and trouble and expense involved in doing that. That just makes sense," said Townshend.

The Ministry of Health said it was unclear yet what the terms of GP support on problem gambling would be if an arrangment was finalised.

- © Fairfax NZ News