Alcohol‐related harm in emergency departments: a prospective, multi‐centre study

• DOI: 10.1111/add.14109
• Publication Date: 2017-11-20T15:46:44Z
• Authors: Diana Egerton‐War...; Andrew Gosbell; Katie Moore; Angela Wadsworth; Drew Richardson; Daniel M. Fatovich
• Keywords: Medical record; Alcohol intoxication

Abstract Background and aims Emergency department (ED) alcohol‐related presentation data are not routinely collected in Australia New Zealand. It is likely that previous research has underestimated the numbers of patients presenting with conditions. This study aimed to quantify level alcohol harm EDs Zealand [Correction added on 23 Jan 2018, after first online publication: The ‘aims’ section was missing updated this version]. Design Multi‐centre, prospective study. Patients were screened prospectively for presentations during a 7‐day period December 2014. Part 1 involved screening determine alcohol‐positive ED collection patient demographic clinical information. 2 consent‐based survey conducted aged ≥ 14 years perform Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) scores. Setting Eight Zealand, representing differing hospital role delineations. Participants A total 8652 attended 8435 (97.5%) screened. Measurements main outcome measure proportion who had an termed ‘alcohol‐positive’, using pre‐defined criteria. included injuries, intoxication, medical conditions injuries caused by alcohol‐affected third party. Secondary outcomes information, type AUDIT Findings 801 [9.5%; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 8.9–10.1%] identified as alcohol‐positive, ranging between 4.9 15.2% throughout sites. Compared alcohol‐negative patients, more be male [odds ratio (OR) 1.90, CI 1.63–2.21], younger (median age 37 versus 46 years, P < 0.0001), arrive ambulance (OR 1.94, 1.68–2.25) or police/correctional vehicle 4.56, 3.05–6.81) require immediate treatment 3.20, 2.03–05.06). median score 16 (interquartile range 10–24). Conclusions Almost one 10 emergency departments related.