Perceptions of Alcohol-Related Attendances in Accident and Emergency Departments in England: A National Survey

Abstract

The results from a survey, conducted in February and March 1997, of all Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments in England are presented. The survey examined staff perceptions of the preventive role of A&E departments in screening and intervention in alcohol-related attendances. Perceptions of the prevalence of alcohol-related attendances were also included. Attitudes towards developing a preventive response were positive. Few departments currently screen or offer intervention and considerable barriers to the implementation of a preventive response were reported.

Attitudes and beliefs of emergency department staff regarding alcohol-related presentations

“…Respondents (N = 96, 57% response rate) were primarily nurses (63%) aged over 40 years and with many years of experience. These staff estimated 14% of ED presentations were alcohol-related, which is consistent with other prevalence studies based on staff perceptions (Waller et al, 1998). These studies did not make the distinction between alcohol-related ED attendances on weekdays and weekends.…”

Implementation of a computerized alcohol advice concept in routine emergency care

“…This can be partially explained by the operational difficulties of delivering alcohol interventions in this environment, which tends to be busy and overcrowded. Lack of time, fear of negative patient response due to the perceived sensitivity of the subject, negative attitudes to and lack of interest in alcohol prevention, and insufficient knowledge about alcohol-related issues have been cited by health professionals as key obstacles for implementation of alcohol-preventive measures in ED settings (Peters et al, 1998;Waller et al, 1998;Brooker et al, 1999;Danielsson et al, 1999;Graham et al, 2000;Wallace, 2001;Hadida et al, 2001;Charalambous, 2002).…”

Do alcohol-attributable diagnoses reflect current hazardous drinking patterns in Norwegian hospital patients?

“…This top 10 list was arranged as follows (in falling order); fall, collapse, head injury, assault, non-specific gastrointestinal problem, being unwell, psychiatric complain (including depression, overdose and confusion), cardiac complain (including palpitations and chest pain), self neglect, and repeated attendance (13). Our study does not evaluate whether such a list could be successful for Norwegian hospital patients characterised by a lower prevalence of hazardous drinkers compared to the UK (14,15).…”