Nutrition care provided to patients discharged from hospital post alcohol withdrawal: a mixed methods study

Patients discharged from hospital following alcohol withdrawal may require follow up of chronic nutrition concerns such as malnutrition and micronutrient deficiency. There is little known about the nutrition care provided in the primary healthcare setting supporting patients discharged from hospital.

The aim of this study was to explore the nutrition care provided across New South Wales for patients discharged post alcohol withdrawal.

A survey was distributed to all Primary Health Networks (PHNs) in New South Wales (NSW) and included participant demographics, information regarding participant confidence providing nutrition care and the types of care provided in this setting. Survey participants were also invited to undertake a semi-structured interview to explore hospital discharge processes using case studies. Survey responses were descriptively analysed and all data provided were utilised, even if incomplete. Qualitative data were thematically analysed and a description provided.

Of the 37 survey responses, 15 were fully completed with 41.1% of respondents rating themselves as confident to very confident to provide nutrition-related care. Four respondents participated in the follow-on interviews. Three themes emerged: the importance of person-centred and collaborative approaches; barriers to accessing nutrition services; and the impact of COVID-19 on discharge care.

The level of reported confidence was variable among healthcare professionals providing nutrition care to patients discharged from hospital post alcohol withdrawal. This may represent a gap in service provision, implicating the need for advocacy on nutrition care following alcohol withdrawal.