How Can A&E Departments Assist - Research Proposal Example

My A&E department handles approximately 75,000-80,000 patients a year! This paper presents a proposal for practice and implementation for how an aspect of evidence-based practice could be implemented within a routine service context in order to help the majority of alcohol-related patients of Stockport from the dangers of alcohol misuse and influence. One of the most robust findings in alcohol treatment research is that motivation to change behavior is critical for achieving and sustaining drinking reduction.

Motivation for change, for example, has been linked with successful self-change (Tonigan et al., 2003) and alcohol treatment entry, compliance, retention and outcome (DiClemente et al., 2001; Miller and Tonigan, 2001; Project MATCH Research Group, 1997). The belief in the central role of motivation in changing addictive behavior is highlighted by the fact that nearly all psychosocial interventions in the United Kingdom today incorporate a module to enhance client motivation during treatment, and several popular and effective interventions focus primarily on mobilizing client motivation to sustain reductions in substance use (e.g., motivational interviewing [MI]; Miller, 2002).

There have been three recent trends in the public health approach to reducing alcohol-related harm: (1) minimal, early, and brief interventions (Bien, Miller & Tonnigan, 1993; Effective Health Care Team, 1993; Saunders et al, 1993a), (2) responsible service of alcohol strategies (Lang, 1991; Single, 1993a), and (3) community-based action research projects (Giesbrecht & Ferris, 1993) including targeting of licensed premises (Boots & Quinlan, 1994). The present study, called "Stockport Alcohol Strategy", sought to combine these three influences in a community alcohol program aimed at patrons in hotels, bars, taverns and clubs.

The practical challenge was to gain the participation of licensed premises and their customers. Any actions aimed at tackling alcohol-related harms need to be underpinned by an understanding of how alcohol impacts Stockport residents, visitors, and businesses. It is important for individuals to have sufficient information to make informed choices about their drinking and to act more responsibly. All resources are to be utilized to prevent people from the misuse of alcohol, and to treat them in such a way that they abandon alcohol intake and encourage others to do the same.