CQI ACTION TEAM - RESPONDING TO THE DETOXIFICATION PATIENT

Background: The management of detoxification patients is complex inter disciplinary effort requiring involvement, cooperation, and understand ing from staff at all levels of the facility. In 1992-93, alcohol-rela ted diagnoses were the highest admission diagnosis at the Royal C. Joh nson Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC). Yet only 44% of the detox ification patients admitted to the VAMC were placed in beds specifical ly designed for detoxification. Initially, the action team believed th at the issues were apparent and that the problems were the result of u ncooperative and noncomplaint providers whew were not following establ ished policy. Methods and results: Data analysis of admission and disc harge trends, laboratory results, and bed census revealed discrepancie s with several widespread myths held by local health care workers. The se misperceptions and attitudes often interfered with treatment. Concl usions: Recommend changes included the development of a clinical pathw ay for the detoxification patient, implementation of an alcohol withdr awl, and hospitalwide education on management of the detoxification pa tient.