Development of an alcohol withdrawal clinical pathway: an interdisciplinary process

Studies show that as many as 40 percent of all patients in general hospitals are admitted because of complications related to alcoholism. However, the literature has little in specific clinical pathways, treatment protocols, or guidelines for the interdisciplinary care of these patients in the acute care setting. Furthermore, the little information that is published shows a lack of consistency in recommended treatment regimes. This article reviews a coordinated, interdisciplinary effort in developing and implementing a clinical pathway for alcohol withdrawal.