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Engaging problem drinkers in a general hospital setting

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 June 2014

Catherine McDonnell ,
Diana G Patterson  and
Ann Marie Hughes
Catherine McDonnell
Affiliation:
Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital, Omagh, Co. Tyrone
Diana G Patterson
Affiliation:
Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital, Omagh, Co. Tyrone
Ann Marie Hughes
Affiliation:
Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital, Omagh, Co. Tyrone
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Abstract

Objective: To determine the level of engagement as defined by return for out-patient appointment in patients referred for alcohol counselling in a general hospital. Method: The hospital was offered a service with counselling within 24 hours for patients who were identified by ward staff as having alcohol related problems. Referred patients were interviewed on the ward by a nurse who specialised in alcohol counselling. Follow-up appointments were offered. Results: 60% of those given counselling returned for further counselling as out-patients. 83% of women counselled were engaged compared with 42% of men (p<0.05). The mean SADD (a measure of alcohol dependency) score was 23.9 in those subjects who were engaged and 18.6 in those not engaged (p<0.05), indicating greater dependency in the former group. Conclusions: Although these patients had not actively sought help with their drinking 60% returned for counselling as out-patients. Women and those with high levels of alcohol dependency were more likely to seek further counselling.

Keywords

AlcoholGeneral hospitalLiaison
Type
Clinical & Brief Reports
Information
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , Volume 9 , Issue 2 , November 1992 , pp. 126 - 129
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1992

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