A multifaceted quality improvement intervention to improve management of alcohol withdrawal on a general medicine ward: impact on benzodiazepine use. Issue 2 (3rd April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jenson, W. Tyler; Carr, Jason R.; Johnson, Stacy A.; Yarbrough, Peter M.; DeFrancisco, David; Rose, Richard S.
• Is Part Of: Journal of addictive diseases. Volume 40:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 179
• Page End: 182
• Publication Date: 2022-04-03
• Subjects: Alcohol withdrawal -- CIWA -- benzodiazepine -- quality improvement; Substance abuse -- Periodicals; Drug abuse -- Periodicals; Alcoholism -- Periodicals; Compulsive behavior -- Periodicals; 362.2905
• DOI: 10.1080/10550887.2021.1960121
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1055-0887

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To measure the effects of a quality improvement intervention on length of stay and benzodiazepine use among patients admitted for alcohol use disorder. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was performed at the Salt Lake City Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Patients 18 years and older admitted to a general medical ward with a diagnosis of alcohol related disorders who were treated for alcohol withdrawal were included. The baseline cohort included patients admitted over 12 months. The post-intervention cohort included patients admitted over 12 months. Primary outcomes were total benzodiazepine dose and length of stay. Secondary outcomes included episodes of delirium tremens and seizures. Results: Total benzodiazepine dose decreased significantly over the intervention period. Length of stay also decreased. No episodes of delirium tremens or seizures were observed. Conclusions: A quality improvement intervention directed at general medicine inpatients admitted for alcohol withdrawal was associated with reductions in total benzodiazepine administration and length of stay.