What's New | October 26, 2011

Evaluation and Treatment of Alcohol Dependence

Individuals with alcohol dependence are often hospitalized and may require treatment for acute intoxication or to reduce the risk of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol and drug dependence are generally considered to be chronic disorders that require some form of continuing care after initial treatment and stabilization to reduce the risk of relapse.

The featured Innovations describe two hospital programs that improved care and reduced length of stay for patients with alcohol dependence, and one outpatient program that provided continuing care services to help individuals avoid relapses.

The featured QualityTools provide resources for clinicians, substance abuse counselors, and program administrators to help improve the treatment of substance use disorders.

Featured Innovations:

• Hospital Partners With Residential Treatment Facility to Offer Alternative Setting to Intoxicated Patients, Reducing Emergency Department Length of Stay

• Hospital-Wide Inpatient Screening for Alcohol Withdrawal and Algorithm-Driven Treatment Improve Care and Reduce Acute Delirium Episodes

• Periodic, Telephone-Based Assessment and Counseling Helps Stable Individuals With Alcohol or Cocaine Dependence Avoid Relapses

Featured QualityTools:

• Clinical Supervision and Professional Development of the Substance Abuse Counselor: A Treatment Improvement Protocol
Developed by JBS International, Inc.; The CDM Group, Inc

• NIDA Clinical Toolbox: Online Resources for Drug Abuse Counselors
Developed by National Institute on Drug Abuse

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Also in This Issue:

Innovations >

• Computerized Alerts Significantly Reduce D-Dimer Testing to Diagnose Blood Clots in Elderly Patients, Increase Use of More Accurate Alternative

• Exercise and Nutrition Program Helps Individuals With Serious Mental Illness Develop Healthier Lifestyles, Improve Fitness and Mental Well-Being

• Improvement Projects Led by Unit-Based Teams of Nurse, Physician, and Quality Leaders Reduce Infections, Lower Costs, Improve Patient Satisfaction, and Nurse-Physician Communication

• Standardized Processes Improve Adherence to Evidence-Based Protocols, Significantly Reducing Common Surgery-Related Complications

QualityTools >

• Policy Opportunities Tool
Developed by American Academy of Pediatrics

• Questions Are the Answer
Developed by Ad Council; Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality