Citation

Irving A, Buykx P, Amos Y, Goodacre S, Moore SC, O'Cathain A. Drug Alcohol Rev. 2019; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Affiliation

School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/dar.13002

PMID

31769571

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Alcohol Intoxication Management Services (AIMS) provide basic care for intoxication and minor injuries, have been increasingly implemented in urban areas characterised by a large number of premises licensed for the sale and on-site consumption of alcohol, with the goal of reducing alcohol's burden on emergency services, including referrals into hospital emergency departments. The acceptability of new health services to users is a key effectiveness outcome. The aim was to describe patient experiences when attending an AIMS and document the acceptability of AIMS to users. DESIGN AND METHODS: A sequential mixed methods study was undertaken involving semi-structured interviews with participants from four AIMS followed by a survey of users recruited from six AIMS.

RESULTS: Interviewees (N = 19) were positive about the care they received in AIMS and appreciated the friendly, non-judgemental atmosphere. Survey respondents rated their experience in AIMS positively (on a 0 to 10 Likert scale, mean = 9.34, SD = 1.38, n = 188). Frequently given reasons for attendance included drinking alcohol (57%) and minor injury (42%); 24% said they would have attended the emergency department had the AIMS not been available and 6% said they would have preferred to go to the emergency department; 31% indicated they would have felt unsafe without the AIMS.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: AIMS are acceptable to users. AIMS are likely to address previously unmet demand for a safe space within the night-time environment.

© 2019 The Authors. Drug and Alcohol Review published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs.

Language: en

Keywords

acceptability; alcohol; emergency services; night-time economy; treatment