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[An evidence-based guideline to support HIV/AIDS patients with alcohol problems]
Jacqueline Voggensperger1, Katharina Fierz, Rebecca Spirig
1Abteilung für Infektiologie, Universitätsspital, Basel, Schweiz Medizinische Poliklinik, Universitätsspital, Basel, Schweiz.
Insights
A new guideline helps healthcare providers assess and intervene with HIV patients experiencing alcohol problems. It utilizes the AUDIT and CAGE tools for effective, evidence-based care in Switzerland.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Clinical Nursing
- Addiction Medicine
Context:
- An estimated 300,000 individuals in Switzerland face alcohol problems.
- A significant, yet unquantified, number of these individuals are co-infected with HIV.
- Nurses at the University Hospital in Basel observe alcohol use as a prevalent issue among HIV patients.
Purpose:
- To develop and implement an evidence-based clinical practice guideline for managing alcohol-related problems in HIV-infected patients.
- To equip nurses and healthcare providers with tools for effective patient assessment and intervention.
- To enhance the quality of care for a vulnerable patient population.
Summary:
- A comprehensive literature review informed the creation of a clinical practice guideline.
- The guideline incorporates the AUDIT and CAGE instruments for sensitive and specific patient assessment in ambulatory settings.
- Patient readiness for change is also assessed to tailor interventions.
Impact:
- Improved assessment and short-term intervention for HIV patients with alcohol-related issues.
- Standardized, evidence-based care delivery for a complex patient group.
- Potential to reduce the burden of co-occurring alcohol and HIV conditions in Switzerland.
Abstract:
It is estimated that 300,000 people with alcohol problems and alcohol-related illnesses are presently living in Switzerland. Many of these are infected with HIV. Yet, the number is unknown. At the HIV outpatient department of the University Hospital in Basel, nurses are assessing patients and it is evident that alcohol intake is a serious health problem for some of them. In order to provide evidenced-based care to these patients, a clinical practice guideline was developed based on a comprehensive literature review and synthesis. The guideline has been implemented and helps nurses and other healthcare providers to effectively assess and provide a short-term intervention to those patients with HIV who have alcohol-related problems. For the assessment, two instruments are utilized: the AUDIT and the CAGE. These instruments were selected after evaluation as being the most sensitive and specific for patients in an ambulatory setting. Patients are also assessed for their readiness to change. In this article, the literature will be reviewed and the guideline introduced, as a basis for nurses and other health care providers to provide evidence-based care for HIV-infected patients who have alcohol-related problems.
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