The acceptability of alcohol intoxication management services to users: A mixed methods study.

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.

SUBMITTER: Irving A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7004195 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature