Implementing an effective intervention for problem drinkers on medical wards.

摘要: Many medical inpatients have alcohol related problems but evidence of the feasibility instituting a brief intervention is incomplete. An counsellor trained nurses on five general wards to screen patients routinely for problems. She counselled appropriate using one or two counselling sessions. Efficacy was assessed at interview six months following admission. We found that 19.6% male and 4.8% female were drinking more than 50 units (U) 33 drinks per week (male) 35 U 23 (female). Counselling, with sessions led reduction from median 74 (49 drinks) admission 26 (17 follow-up. A second session after discharge showed no advantage over single administered while patient in ward. The barriers developing successful screening service can be overcome provided there also adequate support training ward nursing staff.