"FASD is a very complex problem, bound up in social, historical and in some instances cultural history. The responses to it need to be equally complex, very sensitive, and compassionate" - Dr James Fitzpatrick

Lead clinical researcher of 'Make FASD History,' Dr James Fitzpatrick discusses one of the new chapters to the National Guide, Chapter 3: Child Health, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

Dr Fitzpatrick outlines some primary and secondary prevention strategies to reduce use of alcohol in pregnancy, and the specific tools GPs and other primary healthcare workers can use to support their patients. He highlights the importance for health care professionals to feel comfortable and empowered to talk about alcohol use in pregnancy without stigmatising, blaming, or shaming pregnant women.

The National Guide is one of the most widely used clinical guidelines in Australia, supporting primary healthcare providers to understand what works in preventive healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. For more details or to access the National Guide, visit the RACGP website: http://bit.ly/2pvP9Rj