Routine screening for gambling-related harm

Routine screening for gambling disorder and gambling-related harm within mental health and drug and alcohol services: A feasibility and pilot study

What is this study about?

The focus of this project is to examine how appropriate mental health and drug and alcohol services in England are for identifying and referring people experiencing gambling disorder and gambling-related harm.  The study is exploring potential mitigations to any perceived barriers and how screening for harmful gambling could sit alongside other routine screening.

Who can take part?

The Participant will be either a staff member, or service user of any LYPFT team including drug and alcohol services. Eligible participants must be aged 18 years or older, and be willing and competent to provide informed consent.

What is involved?

Taking part in the study will involve either:

A one-to-one interview with the study team to find out what the predicted positive and negative aspects, appropriateness and burden of gambling screening may be. This will be conducted via Microsoft Teams or similar at a mutually convenient time, lasting approximately one hour, and you will receive a £20 Amazon voucher.

OR (For staff only) Participation in a focus group of 6-8 members exploring gambling-related harm and how it may be best to screen for it in mental health and/or drug and alcohol services. Groups will be conducted via Microsoft Teams, taking no more than 90 minutes. Participants will receive a £10 Amazon voucher.

How can people get involved?

Contact rebecca.smith179@nhs.net or research.lypft@nhs.net for more information or to express interest in participation.