Shaping the future of Alcohol-Related Brain Damage care

The University of South Wales (USW) hosted two events aimed at tackling the growing issue of Alcohol-Related Brain Damage (ARBD). Held in South Wales and North Wales, they brought together over 60 professionals from diverse sectors, including healthcare, government, and rehabilitation services, to collaboratively address gaps in care and create a unified approach for ARBD patients.

Funded by Welsh Government’s SMART Flexible Innovation Support, the events sought to collaboratively develop a comprehensive “pathway” for ARBD care - a structured journey from early identification, diagnosis, management, treatment, to reintegration into society.

Dr Darren Quelch, Senior Research Fellow in the USW Addictions Research Group, said: “Currently, there is inconsistency in ARBD care across Wales, with practices varying by region and limited resources hampering progress.

“Many healthcare professionals and patients remain unaware of ARBD. Our aim is to outline good practices, identify gaps, and propose practical solutions for care that can be implemented across diverse regions.”

The consensus events encouraged collaboration by organising participants into small groups to discuss specific aspects of the ARBD patient’s journey, such as screening, diagnosis, and support services. This transformed broad challenges into specific, actionable recommendations, which will be compiled into a report for Welsh Government.

Among the highlights of the events were presentations by notable figures, including Dr Julia Lewis, a Consultant Addiction Psychiatrist and Visiting Professor USW, and representatives from Brynawel House, a rehabilitation centre that specialise in ARBD. These insights helped frame the discussions and ensures that recommendations are rooted in real-world experiences.

As ARBD awareness grows, these consensus events mark a significant step forward in ensuring that patients receive the care they need, regardless of location or available resources.

Tracy Griffiths, Nurse Consultant for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board Substance Misuse Service, said: "It was really beneficial for us to meet the team from USW and to be a part of their project, which will help us with bringing together services to work closer together.

"The session has supported and encouraged us, and helped us focus us on key issues we need to consider. 

"The ARBD training shared with us by the University team is now being passed on to more staff here in North Wales, and since the event we have linked in with other areas of Wales who are in the same position as us, sharing our progress and hopefully opening up more opportunities to learn from each other."