Alcohol screening in North Denmark Region hospitals: Frequency of screening and experiences of health professionals
Sammanfattning
Background: Alcohol consumption is a risk factor for disease, disability and death. Approximately
20% of all hospital admissions are alcohol related. In Denmark, hospitalised patients undergo
systematic health risk screenings to establish preventive initiatives if the screening detects a risk.
The frequency and usability of alcohol screening and health professionals’ experiences of the
screening is unknown. Aim: To examine the frequency and usability of alcohol screening at North
Denmark Region hospitals, as well as health professionals’ experiences of screening for alcohol.
Methods: This study consisted of an initial audit of 120 patient records from medical and surgical
units at four hospitals assessing information on alcohol screening. This was followed by six focusgroup
interviews with health professionals (n ¼ 20) regarding their experiences of conducting
alcohol screening. Results: Among overall health screenings, screening for alcohol and tobacco
smoking was performed most frequently (81.8% and 85%). Alcohol screening scored the lowest
percentage for usability (67.7%). Hospital-based alcohol screening was perceived ambiguously
leading to a schism between standardised alcohol screening and the individual needs of the
patient. Health professionals described different patient types, each with their perceived needs,
and screening was associated with taboo and reluctance to engage in alcohol screening of some
patient groups. Conclusion: This study revealed factors that influence health professionals
working with hospital-based alcohol screening. The variation in and complexity of alcohol
screening suggests that screening practice is an ambiguous task that needs continuous reflection
and development to ensure that health professionals are prepared for the task.