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Published on: January 7, 2019
Variation among aging alcoholic patients in treatment
R M Atkinson1, S C Ryan, J A Turner
1Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
Summary
Changes in clinic policies for older adults with alcohol use disorders significantly impacted patient profiles and treatment adherence. This highlights the variability among aging alcoholic patients and the need for tailored care.
Area of Science:
- Geriatrics
- Addiction Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Older adults with alcohol use disorders present unique challenges.
- Specialized clinics are crucial for addressing the needs of this demographic.
- Understanding patient variability is key to effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare demographic and clinical features of older patients with alcohol use disorders before and after significant program changes.
- To assess the impact of program modifications on patient case-mix and treatment adherence.
- To explore the relationship between clinic policies and patient outcomes in geriatric alcoholism.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of two patient cohorts (n=205 and n=124) from a specialized geriatric alcoholism clinic.
- Comparison of patient demographics and clinical characteristics.
- Evaluation of changes in admission criteria, case-finding, and treatment offerings.
Main Results:
- Program modifications led to significant alterations in patient case-mix.
- Treatment adherence varied considerably among older alcoholic patients.
- Clinic policies and practices demonstrably influenced patient profiles and treatment responses.
Conclusions:
- Programmatic changes in specialized clinics can substantially alter the characteristics of older patients with alcohol use disorders.
- Patient profiles and treatment adherence are sensitive to modifications in clinic policies.
- Effective treatment for geriatric alcoholism requires adaptable and responsive clinical practices.
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