Mid North Coast Local Health District


Documented and anecdotal evidence demonstrates a divide between drug and alcohol treatment rationale, good clinical practice and patient experiences. The team aimed to improve emergency treatment access for consumers requiring alcohol withdrawal management. 

Drug & Alcohol Services developed a Triage Category Rating Guide based on NSW Clinical Guidelines. A first in Australia, the Guide assists emergency departments in detecting actual or risk of alcohol withdrawal and identifying most appropriate treatment and referral pathways.

Results showed an increase in:
  • appropriate treatment from 31.8% to 80.0%
  • alcohol use documentation from 35.4% to 55.2%. 
​The Guide was trialed in Kempsey Emergency Department and collaborative research results have been accepted in Emergency Medicine Australasia Journal.
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Current as at: Wednesday 3 October 2018
Contact page owner: NSW Ministry of Health