Assessment and management of alcohol-related admissions to UK intensive care units

McPeake, J. , Bateson, M., O'Neill, A. and Kinsella, J. (2013) Assessment and management of alcohol-related admissions to UK intensive care units. Nursing in Critical Care, 18(4), pp. 187-192. (doi: 10.1111/nicc.12006)

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Abstract

<p>Background: The critical care environment has felt the overwhelming impact of the growing problem of alcohol abuse. However, there is ambiguity concerning the assessment and management of this patient group.</p> <p>Aim: The aim of this study was to explore current practice in the use of assessment and management tools for alcohol-related admissions in UK intensive care units (ICU).</p> <p>Methods: Two hundred and forty-eight lead consultants across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales were sent an electronic survey using the SurveyMonkey® ( www.surveymonkey.com) website.</p> <p>Results: A total of 103 (41·05%) lead consultants responded to the survey. Most units (67%) utilized the volume of alcohol consumed per week to assess patient alcohol use. Furthermore, 12 units (11%) used the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment tool, 5 units (5%) used the Glasgow Modified Alcohol Withdrawal Scale and 79 units (73%) used no tool for the management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome.</p> Conclusion: There appears to be a diverse approach to the assessment and management of alcohol-related admissions in UK ICUs. Further research is required in this area to identify the most effective way to assess and manage alcohol-related admissions within intensive care.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Kinsella, Professor John and O'Neill, Dr Anna and Bateson, Miss Meghan and McPeake, Dr Jo
Authors: McPeake, J., Bateson, M., O'Neill, A., and Kinsella, J.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Nursing and Health Care
Journal Name:Nursing in Critical Care
ISSN:1362-1017
ISSN (Online):1478-5153

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