Integration of alcohol and drug nurses into a mental health unit

Abstract

Objective Test whether extra time with alcohol and drug nurses for inpatients at a Mental Health Unit (MHU) reduces post-discharge mental and co-occurring alcohol and drug problems and increases engagement in alcohol and drug treatment more than a Brief Information Pack (BIP). Method Single blind randomised control trial in block design compared two alcohol and drug nurse delivered interventions over 6 months post-discharge using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and Brief Symptom Inventory index of overall psychological distress Global Severity Index (GSI). Results Alcohol and drug nurse delivered BIP was associated with a statistically significant reduction in AUDIT measured alcohol use for the highest follow-up score across the 6-month post-discharge period, n = 20, t = 2.24, p = 0.037, d = 0.50 and for the extra time intervention, n = 11, t = 2.51, p = 0.031, d = 0.76. Conclusions MHUs may benefit from the integration of alcohol and drug nurses with community alcohol and drug treatment experience.