The impact of excess alcohol consumption on health care utilisation in regional patients with chronic disease - a retrospective chart audit.
Aust N Z J Public Health
; 44(6): 457-461, 2020 Dec.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-33044787
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
To understand the impact of alcohol consumption on the health utilisation of people with chronic diseases.METHODS:
A retrospective chart audit was undertaken in two primary care settings in a regional Australian city. Three indicator conditions were selected type 2 diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic kidney disease. The audits were analysed to examine the impact of alcohol consumption on primary care and hospital-based health utilisation.RESULTS:
A total of 457 records were audited. Alcohol consumption decreased engagement in the primary care setting, with fewer visits, prescriptions and lower primary care costs. There was a U-shaped association between alcohol consumption and hospital attendance rates and costs. Admission rates were unchanged but a decrease in length of stay was observed in non-smokers in the highest alcohol consumption category.CONCLUSION:
Excess alcohol consumption decreases engagement in primary care and results in increased emergency department attendance, but not admissions to hospital. In those who are admitted to hospital, alcohol is associated with a decreased length of stay. Implications for public health Alcohol consumption should be considered as a potential cause of decreased engagement in primary care. Follow-up and recall of patients may reduce shifting of care to the hospital environment.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Contexto em Saúde:
11_ODS3_cobertura_universal
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Atenção Primária à Saúde
/
Consumo de Bebidas Alcoólicas
/
Aceitação pelo Paciente de Cuidados de Saúde
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Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crônica
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Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2
/
Insuficiência Renal Crônica
/
Cooperação e Adesão ao Tratamento
Tipo de estudo:
Observational_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Aspecto:
Implementation_research
Limite:
Aged
/
Aged80
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
País/Região como assunto:
Oceania
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Aust N Z J Public Health
Ano de publicação:
2020
Tipo de documento:
Article