About the project
Older adults have a lower alcohol tolerance and higher sensitivity to alcohol consumption due to physiological changes related to ageing, including increased prevalence of chronic illnesses, functional impairments and polypharmacy.
Objective
The objective of this study is to gain increased insight into how healthcare professionals relate to the national recommendation, and which strategies are applied to identify and manage potentially harmful alcohol use in older patients admitted to the hospital due to somatic illnesses or injuries.
The WHO emphasizes a need for measures to prevent and reduce the burden and costs related to alcohol consumption. In Norway, the Norwegian Directorate of Health recommends mapping alcohol habits upon hospital admission.
Method
The study is based on 21 qualitative interviews with nurses and physicians recruited from different somatic hospital wards.
Results from this study can be used to inform stakeholders at local, regional and natiolal levels on the development of preventive measures and intervention strategies in hospitals.
Financing
- Akershus University Hospital