© 2024 KRWG
News that Matters.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

UNM School of Medicine develops 'PALMS' app to help patients manage alcohol use

  The University of New Mexico School of Medicine is testing an application called the Personal Alcohol Management System -- or PALMS -- to gauge a patient's alcohol use before a doctor's appointment.  

"At least 20 percent of primary care patients are drinking at harmful levels," says Brandi Fink, PhD, an assistant professor in UNM's Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences. "We hope an app like this will make a big difference in the state of New Mexico," 

"New Mexico is No. 1 in the country for alcohol-related injuries," Fink says. "We feel we have a great opportunity to help reduce some of those injuries and improve the health of all New Mexicans."

The UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center is testing the app. It could undergo further testing at 280 medical centers around the country.