Accessible summary
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This evaluation focused on a pilot project introduced into a busy, inner city centre hospital in the North West of England. Manchester has one of the highest rates of violent crime in England and among the highest rates of alcohol consumption, particularly binge drinking.
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Between December 2006 and October 2007, patients were screened using the Paddington Alcohol Test. These patients presented at the A and E department with acute and chronic alcohol-related health problems. Numerous patients also experienced mental health issues, homelessness and were involved in the criminal justice system.
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The project’s aim was to target hazardous and harmful drinkers, screen them, deliver brief advice and refer them to the alcohol liaison nurse for a brief intervention appointment (which was optional). At this appointment, patients’ motivation to change their alcohol use was assessed and referral to community alcohol services was undertaken, if considered appropriate.
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The provision of reports on last drink location helped to assist more effective targeting for the police and the licensing unit. Potentially, this could contribute to the reduction of alcohol misuse in a high-risk group through brief interventions, training of A and E staff and appropriate referrals to other agencies.
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The project was also intended to link into the Tackling Violent Crime Programme and additional funding was sought from the Health Inequalities Partnership, which will contribute to the achievement of health improvement goals in disadvantaged populations. In addition, the project will also provide a model for the development of this type of initiative in other hospital A and E departments.
Abstract
Hazardous and harmful drinkers make up a significant percentage of A and E attendees, and brief interventions have been shown to reduce harm among this particular group. This paper evaluates a pilot project which introduced a screening and brief intervention programme within the A and E department. This project aimed to screen and offer brief interventions to attendees and to refer on to local alcohol services if required.