Nurse counseling of patients with an overconsumption of alcohol

To identify the associations between self-reported alcohol-related clinical practice among hospital nurses and their (a) self-rated qualifications for counseling on alcohol, and (b) attitudes toward care of patients with an overconsumption of alcohol.

A survey based on self-administered questionnaires was undertaken at a Danish University Hospital in the Copenhagen area. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and multiple logistic regression analyses were used. Variables were self-reported alcohol-related counseling, self-rated qualifications for counseling patients with an overconsumption of alcohol, attitudes toward the priority of counseling on alcohol and other lifestyle issues, and attitudes toward caring for patients with an overconsumption of alcohol.

Self-rated qualifications for counseling and attitudes toward care significantly influenced the self-reported clinical care of patients with an overconsumption of alcohol. Perceived self-efficacy was positively associated with frequent counseling and positive attitudes toward prevention. Psychiatric nurses were most active, medical nurses less active, and surgical nurses least active in counseling.

To promote nurse involvement in alcohol prevention, increasing the capacity for intervention via skill-based training on assessment of alcohol problems and intervention techniques is necessary. All nurses, but especially surgical nurses, needed updates on alcohol-related counseling.