Although the World Health Organization says Europe is the heaviest drinking region in the world, the problem is considerable in the United States as well. In fact, alcohol-related harms are listed in the CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control’s Prevention Status Reports as one of the 10 biggest public health issues in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Since those at risk of alcohol-related harm are frequently admitted to emergency care settings, researchers based in the United Kingdom wanted to asses the feasibility of screening all acute care admissions for alcohol misuse.
Based on a study including data from 53,000 hospital admissions, the researchers discovered universal screening is readily achievable. Furthermore, screening helps identify patients at the greatest risk of alcohol-related harm, allowing clinicians to target treatment on these individuals and combat the risk of severe liver damage.
“Many who die from cirrhosis due to alcohol-related harm have a history of recurrent hospital admissions, meaning we are missing chances to offer treatment. This study shows that universal screening for alcohol misuse among patients admitted to acute medical units is both achievable and can help inform targeted interventions,” said study author Richard Aspinall. “By classifying these patients according to their risk of alcohol harm, we can ensure they received the appropriate treatments to reduce the risk of adverse events occurring in the future, thus reducing the healthcare burden of alcohol-related harm.”
More articles on alcohol and health:
Substance use policies, public health interventions linked to life expectancy
Mayo Clinic: Medical students more likely to abuse alcohol
Addiction medicine now recognized as a subspecialty: 6 things to know
