Development of an alcohol withdrawal protocol: CNS collaborative exemplar.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this process improvement project was to develop an Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (AWS) management protocol for acute care.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of alcohol abuse in our society presents challenges for health professionals, and few nurses have received formal education on the identification and treatment of AWS, which has frequently resulted in ineffective, nonstandardized care. However, nurses practicing in medical-surgical, emergency, trauma, and critical care settings must be astute in the assessment and management of AWS. DESIGN/BACKGROUND/RATIONALE: Following an analysis of existing management protocols, a behavioral health clinical nurse specialist was asked to lead a work team composed of physicians, pharmacists, and nurses to develop a new evidence-based alcohol withdrawal protocol for acute care.


METHODS
By implementing a standardized assessment tool and treatment protocol, clinical nurse specialists empowered nursing staff with strategies to prevent the serious medical complications associated with AWS. FINDINGS/OUTCOMES: The development and integration of a safe and effective treatment protocol to manage AWS was facilitated by collaborative, evidence-based decision making.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinical experience and specialty expertise were integrated by clinical nurse specialists skilled in group dynamics, problem-solving, and the implementation of change. Improving care of patients in AWS is an exemplar for clinical nurse specialist roles as change agent and patient advocate.
Phillips
Susan
S
Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, Phoenix, Ariz. 85338, USA. susan.phillips@bannerhealth.com
Haycock
Camille
C
Boyle
Deborah
D
D000208:Acute Disease; D020751:Alcohol-Induced Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D000465:Algorithms; D002985:Clinical Protocols / Q000592:standards*; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003422:Critical Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D003663:Decision Trees; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D007857:Leadership; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000523:psychology; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D009737:Nursing Records; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration; D011340:Problem Solving; D016730:Program Development; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000628:therapy*; D017749:Total Quality Management / Q000458:organization & administration