Postdoc: Birgit Niclasen, Greenland Center for Health Research
Granted amount: DKK 96,000

Project description:

The purpose of this project is to test a relatively new method – the 15-method – for identifying alcohol-related problems among patients, where alcohol overconsumption may complicate treatment or worsen underlying health conditions. The method aims to frame alcohol problems as a clinical issue rather than a moral one.

The 15-method offers a simple, practical, and hands-on approach to alcohol-related problems. It is evidence-based and has been successfully applied in Sweden and Denmark. The method provides both informational materials and exercises that can be adapted to individual patient pathways as needed. Key elements include:

– Awareness of patients’ alcohol habits when symptoms may be alcohol-related
– Feedback and counselling based on dialogue with the patient
– Support for behavioural change, if the patient wishes to do so

The 15-method aligns with Naalakkersuisut’s recommendations for screening tools outlined in “Recommendations for a multi-year evidence-based alcohol policy.”

Allorfik will offer training in the method in March 2026, both in person and online, for all staff in the Greenlandic healthcare system who are interested. Prior to the course, doctors and nurses will be recruited to test the method in their own clinical practice. Their experiences with the materials and the applicability of the method in a Greenlandic healthcare context will be collected after 2–4 months and analysed in a report to the health authorities and the Department of Health.