Citation

Stewart R, Das M, Ardagh M, Deely JM, Dodd S, Bartholomew N, Pearson S, Spearing R, Williams T, Than M. N. Zeal. Med. J. 2014; 127(1401): 23-39.

Affiliation

University of Otago Christchurch, Emergency Department, Christchurch Hospital, Private Bag 4710, Christchurch, New Zealand. Michael.ardagh@cdhb.health.nz.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, New Zealand Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

25225755

Abstract

AIM: To determine the impact of alcohol-related presentations on the Christchurch Hospital Emergency Department (ED).

METHODS: Over 42 8-hour shifts (2 weeks) between 15 November 2013 and 9 December 2013, patients attending the ED with recent alcohol consumption were classified as screen-positive (consumed alcohol in the 4 hours prior to presentation) or not. A subset of screen-positive patients was classified as impact-positive (alcohol consumption clearly contributed to the reason for presenting). Data were analysed in relation to days/shifts for gender, age, disruptive behaviour, medical reasons for presenting, and completeness of ED records.

RESULTS: Of the 3619 patients screened in the study, 268 (7.4%) and 182 (5%) were screen-positive and impact-positive, respectively. Most patients attended the ED on the weekends (58%: 105/182), particularly on Saturday night (31%; 56/182). More males (118) than females (64) were impact-positive. Of the impact-positive males, most were 16-25 years old (37%; 44/118) or 41-61 years old (32%; 38/118), attended the ED on weekend night shifts (24%; 28/118), and sought treatment for non- interpersonal trauma (38%; 45/118) or interpersonal trauma due to violence (17%; 20/118). Of the female impact-positive patients, most were 16-25 years old (41%; 26/64) or 41-60 years old (33%; 21/64), and presented for deliberate self-harm (36%; 23/64) or non-interpersonal trauma (27%; 17/64). Of the 182 impact-positive patients, 86% (156) were recorded in the ED computer system.

CONCLUSIONS: Alcohol-related presentations had a significant impact on the ED, particularly on weekends. Teenagers, young adults and middle-aged adults contributed to the alcohol-related patient impact on weekends. Male patients were a significant burden on Saturday evening and night shifts.

Language: en