Summary
Alcohol dependence is a treatable condition that affects communities and families and is linked to over 200 mental health and medical conditions, accidents and violent/non-violent injuries. Consequently, alcohol use disorders are commonly identified within emergency departments (ED) and may require hospital admission.
Main Study
This study will explore how short alcohol screening tests can be used in EDs to accurately identify those in need of access to alcohol treatment. All adult (≥ 18years) ED attenders clinically cleared by ED staff will be invited to participate.
Participants will be asked to complete several questionnaires on topics such as demographic details (e.g. age, gender); use of health services; alcohol questionnaires; and nature/severity of injuries (if relevant). Optional consent will be requested to access ED patient records to obtain the ED diagnosis and discharge codes.
All participants will receive a voucher thanking them for their participation in the study.
Qualitative Study
The Qualitative study will: 1) explore healthcare professional perspectives on how to implement alcohol screening tools within EDs and 2) identify potential care pathways for those presenting with alcohol dependence.
Qualitative study participants will be either:
- Registered nurses and doctors who have worked for 6 months or more in any of the 4 settings listed below at either the Diana Princess of Wales Hospital, Grimsby, Scunthorpe General Hospital or Hull Royal Infirmary
- Registered nurses, practitioners and doctors who have worked for 6 months or more in alcohol services supporting these hospitals
The 4 settings are:
- Emergency departments
- Acute medical units
- Hospital-based alcohol care teams
- Specialist community alcohol teams
Focus groups (online or face to face) will last approximately 90 minutes. Discussions will be recorded and participant consent will be requested.
All participants will be offered a voucher thanking them for their participation in the study.
What will we achieve?
Study results will inform the development of care pathways for people who experience alcohol dependence which may reduce hospital admissions; improve patient care and facilitate access to community treatment services for those experiencing alcohol dependence.
Data relating to violent incidents and assaults will inform policing and licensing strategies in the locality.
Note: no information obtained from participants will be passed to the police.
Downloads
Privacy notice (main study)
Privacy notice (quantitative study)