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Identification of alcohol‐related problems in a general hospital setting: a cost‐effectiveness evaluation
Author(s) -
TOLLEY KEITH,
ROWLAND NANCY
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
british journal of addiction
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.424
H-Index - 193
eISSN - 1360-0443
pISSN - 0952-0481
DOI - 10.1111/j.1360-0443.1991.tb03420.x
Subject(s) - identification (biology) , alcohol , computer science , medicine , medical emergency , risk analysis (engineering) , chemistry , biology , botany , biochemistry
Alcohol is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The prevention of alcohol problems would result in significant savings to the NHS and society. Screening is an important step in preventing problems. This study examines the costs of screening patients for alcohol problems. Over a 21‐month period doctors, nurses and a specialist worker screened medical and orthopaedic admissions to the York District Hospital. A cost‐effectiveness analysis of screening data was carried out. Costs were measured by time taken to screen and the relative costs of employing different occupational groups. Effects included the screening rates of each occupational group and those identified as at risk. Results suggested a greater positive case identification rate could be achieved by employing a specialist worker, but at greater cost. The cost‐effectiveness evaluation helps clarify the resource consequences of a screening programme and can be a useful aid in the decision‐making process.