The impact of excess alcohol consumption on health care utilisation in regional patients with chronic disease - a retrospective chart audit.

CONCLUSION: Excess alcohol consumption decreases engagement in primary care and results in increased emergency department attendance, but not admissions to hospital. In those who are admitted to hospital, alcohol is associated with a decreased length of stay. Implications for public health: Alcohol consumption should be considered as a potential cause of decreased engagement in primary care. Follow-up and recall of patients may reduce shifting of care to the hospital environment. PMID: 33044787 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Authors: Tags: Aust N Z J Public Health Source Type: research