Minutes of the Tallinn meeting - PHEPA

Estonia Meeting - Minutes
Discussion
Dr. Gual points out that it seems that there is no agreement on the use of the tool. Some
see the tool useful for cross comparisons and others see it really negatively but taking
into account that this is an European Project, we need maximum objectivity of the
measurement but European differences in the EIBI topic can be used at national level to
help those countries that are behind to force their Governments to give them more
support.
Dr. Heather suggests that using the tool for political purposes is fine but not for
scientific purposes. The validity of the results is questionable and they won’t be
accepted in any international journal.
Dr. Pas suggests working together on the tool for internal use and debating on it until
later decisions can be taken.
Dr. Maciek Godicky-Cwirko also comments that it would be difficult to set standards to
assess each topic. Protocols and standards have to be set to assess each area. The tool
has not to look for standards in a general way but it can help to know if protocols are
fulfilled at national levels.
Dr. Ribeiro says that both are possible, the tool can be used to describe the situation and
to help countries know the way to develop each area.
It is agreed that the document will be used only internally until next meeting and that
partners will be asked for additional suggestions on contents and process.
Phepa team will send back the revised form (improved) with time enough before the
meeting that country teams can fill in the tool again. It is clear that the debate is on the
use for country comparisons but not at national level, so we continue with the idea of
going forward and a decision will have to be taken later.
Presentation of report, Alcohol in Europe (see file attached: Alcohol in Europe)
The 10 th recommendation talks about Advice for hazardous and harmful alcohol
consumption and alcohol dependence, and recommendations for advice:
10 th .1. Development of guidelines brief advice and implementation in different settings
10 th .2. Training and support programmes to deliver brief advice
10 th .3. Resources to ensure the widespread of identification and advice programmes.
- Available in web site: www.ias.org.uk
Dr. Heather says that it is a magnificent piece of work and that the report is going to be
really useful for the group.
Dr. Anderson says that the French translation will be available by the end of July at the
EC website and that the summary is already translated by all BTG partners in to the
different languages. He adds that the report was peer-reviewed by the Industry but
received good comments.
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