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Setting Up a Stroke Team Algorithm and Conducting Simulation-based Training in the Emergency Department - A Practical Guide
Published on: January 15, 2017
Screening and brief intervention in the emergency department
Gail D'Onofrio1, Linda C Degutis
1Department of Surgery, Section of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
Summary
Screening all emergency department (ED) and trauma patients for unhealthy alcohol use is plausible. Brief interventions in EDs show promise but face challenges requiring innovative solutions and further research.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Addiction Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- A significant number of patients in emergency departments (EDs) and trauma centers present with alcohol-related issues.
- Identifying and addressing unhealthy alcohol use in these settings is crucial for patient care and initiating timely treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the rationale for universal screening of unhealthy alcohol use among ED and trauma patients.
- To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of brief interventions for alcohol problems within ED and trauma settings.
- To identify challenges and potential innovative approaches for implementing alcohol screening and intervention in EDs.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on alcohol screening and brief interventions in emergency and trauma care settings.
- Discussion of challenges including time constraints, ethical considerations, legal issues, and insurance coverage.
- Exploration of innovative screening strategies.
Main Results:
- Brief interventions have demonstrated feasibility and effectiveness in ED and trauma settings in some studies.
- Significant challenges exist for widespread implementation, including time limitations and logistical hurdles.
- Innovative screening methods may offer solutions, but require further investigation.
Conclusions:
- Universal screening for unhealthy alcohol use in EDs and trauma centers is a plausible strategy for improving patient care.
- Further research is needed to develop and validate innovative approaches for effective implementation in these demanding environments.
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