Development of a tool kit to assist surgical nurses in identifying, preventing, and managing alcohol withdrawal syndrome

• Main Author: Carey, Megan
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: Memorial University of Newfoundland 2018
• Subjects: Knowles; Newfoundland
• Online Access: https://research.library.mun.ca/13326/; https://research.library.mun.ca/13326/1/M._Carey_Practicum_Report.pdf

Background: Alcohol abuse is linked to over 200 different diseases, conditions and types of injuries, which lead to substantial costs to the health care system. Newfoundland and Labrador has one of the largest rates of excessive alcohol consumption in the country. Patients who consume dangerous amounts of alcohol are at risk for developing alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) when admitted to the hospital setting. Nurses could then be faced with the complex task of caring for patients who are undergoing both surgical recovery and AWS. Without the proper tools to identify alcohol use disorders (AUDs), and to identify, prevent, and manage AWS, it is exceptionally difficult for nurses to manage these patients, which exposes them to a variety of negative patient and health care associated outcomes. Purpose: The purpose of this practicum was to develop a tool kit to provide nurses at St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital (SCMH) in St John’s Newfoundland and Labrador with additional information on AUDs, as well as how to identify, prevent, and manage AWS in surgical patients. Additionally, educational material was developed for patients to inform them on the dangers of alcohol use prior to surgery and inaccurate reporting of their drinking habits. Methods: An integrative literature review was conducted first. The perceptions of health care professionals in surgical care at SCMH were then assessed through semi-structured informant interviews. Furthermore, an environmental scan was conducted to determine how AWS is managed in other health care settings. The development of the tool kit was guided by the works of Knowles’ Adult Learning Theory and Benner’s Novice to Expert Model. Results: Based on the findings, it was apparent that there was a need for patient and health care professional education regarding alcohol use and alcohol withdrawal. It was ascertained that the best means of assisting surgical nurses in caring for patients experiencing alcohol withdrawal was to provide a tool kit to educate them on AUDs and AWS. Conclusion: ...