Abstract
Background
In Australia, alcohol use is accountable for 5.1% of the total burden of disease and
injury along with being responsible for 24% of the burden as a result of chronic liver
disease. There is a paucity of quality evidence-based programmes for alcohol use management
and the chronic viral hepatitis population.
Aims
To evaluate the effectiveness of an alcohol brief intervention for ambulatory patients
with chronic viral hepatitis C attending a hepatology clinic.
Methods
A randomised controlled trial determined the effectiveness of: a brief intervention
and routine care (Group 1) compared to routine care only (no formalised intervention)
(Group 2). Alcohol reduction is the primary outcome measure. Reduction in risky drinking
and quality of life were also measured. Data was collected at three-time points, baseline
prior to randomisation, four weeks and eight weeks.
Findings
Alcohol intake reduced in both groups at 4 weeks, with 57% (intervention) and 41%
(control) having a 50% reduction in alcohol (p = 0.295). This reduction was maintained
by both groups at 8 weeks with 53% (intervention) and 43% (control) (p = 0.536). The
intervention group showed a greater reduction over time, but this was not statistically
significant.
Discussion
Increasing nurse led models of care, such as nurse practitioners specialising in hepatology,
could provide an effective response for managing people with chronic viral hepatitis
C and alcohol misuse.
Conclusion
Assessing for alcohol use using the AUDIT C and TLFB_A and providing a brief intervention
with routine care by the Nurse Practitioner, Hepatology is an acceptable and useful
intervention to reduce alcohol consumption in this population.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 18, 2019
Accepted:
February 17,
2019
Received in revised form:
January 16,
2019
Received:
August 28,
2018
Identification
Copyright
© 2019 Australian College of Nursing Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
