Open AccessThe impact of excess alcohol consumption on health care utilisation in regional patients with chronic disease – a retrospective chart audit
Author(s) -
Mudd Julie,
Larkins Sarah,
Watt Kerrianne
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
australian and new zealand journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.946
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1753-6405
pISSN - 1326-0200
DOI - 10.1111/1753-6405.13020
Subject(s) - medicine , emergency medicine , attendance , audit , retrospective cohort study , emergency department , environmental health , type 2 diabetes , medical emergency , diabetes mellitus , psychiatry , management , economics , economic growth , endocrinology
Objective : To understand the impact of alcohol consumption on the health utilisation of people with chronic diseases. Methods : A retrospective chart audit was undertaken in two primary care settings in a regional Australian city. Three indicator conditions were selected: type 2 diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic kidney disease. The audits were analysed to examine the impact of alcohol consumption on primary care and hospital‐based health utilisation. Results : A total of 457 records were audited. Alcohol consumption decreased engagement in the primary care setting, with fewer visits, prescriptions and lower primary care costs. There was a U‐shaped association between alcohol consumption and hospital attendance rates and costs. Admission rates were unchanged but a decrease in length of stay was observed in non‐smokers in the highest alcohol consumption category. Conclusion : Excess alcohol consumption decreases engagement in primary care and results in increased emergency department attendance, but not admissions to hospital. In those who are admitted to hospital, alcohol is associated with a decreased length of stay. Implications for public health : Alcohol consumption should be considered as a potential cause of decreased engagement in primary care. Follow‐up and recall of patients may reduce shifting of care to the hospital environment.