Effectiveness of home detoxification: a clinical audit.
OBJECTIVE
An audit of home detoxifications undertaken during a 2-year period in a community drug and alcohol service was performed to explore the impact of suitability criteria on the successful completion of the intervention, and to inform future practice.


METHODS
A retrospective analysis of home detoxifications was undertaken in a community setting using a designed audit tool.


RESULTS
Of the 154 referrals for home detoxification, 59 commenced detoxification and 95 did not. The absence of a suitable carer and a pre-existing medical-psychiatric condition were the main reasons for home detoxification being deemed an unsuitable intervention. Of those who commenced detoxification, 96.6% completed the programme.


CONCLUSIONS
Clear and rigorous screening by an experienced professional before home detoxification is commenced is important to ensure positive treatment outcomes; however, more can be done to improve the service offered and ensure appropriate referrals.
Callow
Trasi
T
Windmill Drug and Alcohol Team, Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Trust, Chertsey.
Donaldson
Stephen
S
de Ruiter
Marian
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000451:nursing / Q000628:therapy*; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D006699:Home Care Services; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D009731:Nursing Audit; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000451:nursing / Q000628:therapy*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D018579:Patient Selection; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012189:Retrospective Studies