We’re part of a programme of research examining the clinical and cost effectiveness of Alcohol Care Teams to inform the future commissioning of services.
Alcohol-related hospital admissions continue to rise, with estimates that 10% of patients admitted to acute hospitals may be alcohol dependent. Yet, there remains considerable variation in provision of ACTs in England, and a limited evidence base for understanding their clinical effectiveness. Despite consensus on the need for hospital-based alcohol care teams (ACTs) there is limited evidence as to the outcomes for patients and services. We will assess the models of care offered to patients who may benefit from ACTs and identify successful approaches to ACT provision in meeting needs. We will work with stakeholders to rapidly disseminate outputs and inform policy decisions, clinical best practice and future resource priorities.
This three-year programme of research commissioned by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) will examine the clinical and cost effectiveness of ACTs to inform the future commissioning of these services. By identifying the characteristics and care needs of patients who may benefit from ACTs, and by highlighting the components of those ACTs which have proven most successful in supporting adults with alcohol dependence, we hope to provide much-needed information to policymakers and inform clinical best practice. This will help improve ACTs and the services they offer to alcohol-dependent patients.
