Effectiveness of of using clinical practice guideline for alcohol withdrawal syndrome (CPG-AWS) in Inpatient department at Mahasarakham hospital

Abstract

Background : Alcoholic withdrawal syndrome is an important psychiatric disorder in inpatient department of Mahasarakham hospital. There were 69, 75 and 101 admissions of alcohol withdrawal patients each year during 2010, 2011 and 2012 respectively. From an increasing rate of admission and mean length of stays of 7-9 days; therefore, a development of effective clinical practice guideline is crucial.

Objectives : To study the effectiveness of clinical practice guideline of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (CPG-AWS) in order that the CPG-AWS can be used by every personnel in Mahasarakham hospital.

Material and Method : This study was a descriptive study in 20 hospitalized patients with alcoholic withdrawal syndrome in department of medicine, orthopedic, surgery at Mahasarakham hospital during July to September 2013. The study comprised 3 phases. First phase was for a training of staffs and nurses. Second phase was to apply clinical practice guideline of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (CPG-AWS) to patients. The last phase was an evaluation of an effectiveness of CPG-AWS i.e. the length of stay and satisfaction level of patients, patientsû caregivers, staffs and nurses.

Result : The participants were mostly male (95%), with mean age of 38.05 years (S.D. = 6.14). Most of patients were employee (60%) and a mean of salary was 8,750 baths. The mean duration of alcohol dependence was 10.07 years (S.D. = 2.31). Half of patients had previous history of alcohol withdrawal seizure, and 60% of patient had a history of having at least 1 episode of alcohol withdrawal delirium. After the use of CPG-AWS, the mean length of stays was 4.75 days. There was no death nor serious medical complication. A mean score of satisfaction of patients and patientsû caregivers, and staffs and nurses were 85.65 out of 100 (S.D. = 7.56) and 86.08 (S.D. = 5.78), respectively. Three-forth (75%) of patients and 77.65% of staffs and nurses rated high level of satisfaction.

Conclusion : Using CPG-AWS resulted in high satisfaction level of patients, patientsû caregivers, and staffs and nurses. Length of stay was shortened. CPG-AWS is an promising effective care plan in alcoholic withdrawal syndrome at Mahasarakham hospital.