Patient experiences of alcohol specialist nurse interventions in a general hospital, and onwards care pathways

Abstract

Aims To provide insight into patient experiences of a general hospital‐based alcohol specialist nurse intervention during alcohol detoxification, experiences of alcohol specialist nurse hospital‐based follow‐up appointments (Pathway A) as well as the experiences of patients who did not have access to this additional help post detoxification (Pathway B). Design A longitudinal qualitative study. Methods A thematic analysis of semi‐structured interviews (2016–2017) with 24 patient participants (N = 12 in each pathway; purposive selection) 1–4 weeks post‐detoxification and at 3 and 6 months, to identify patient experiences of these interventions. Results Participants gave accounts of how ‘empathic’ and ‘straight talking’ interactions with alcohol specialist nurses during detoxification helped them to ‘open up’ and orient towards change. After detoxification follow‐up, outpatient appointments in the hospital setting were seen as supporting change in early recovery and engagement with a wider range of services. Those with no access to nurse follow‐up described experiencing a ‘void’ in available help. Participants in both groups described barriers to engagement with community alcohol services, peer groups and access to help for mild‐moderate mental health problems. Conclusion Patient accounts indicate alcohol specialist nurse interventions during and after unplanned detoxification in a hospital setting can help orient patients towards change and support early recovery. Impact Providing alcohol specialist nurse interventions in general hospitals offers one route to initiating recovery in alcohol‐dependent patients. This has potential to improve the lives of those affected and to reduce related demands on hospital services, but further research is needed.