Nurse-led detoxification in primary care. Can it be done?

Abstract

This paper describes the community alcohol detoxifications (detox) carried out in primary care by the nurse specialist for alcohol in Islington, as an independent prescriber. It is argued that this service is a valuable resource and can enable a better space for preparation for the client, who can then be more insightful and motivated before entering the detox in primary care. It also shows that the guidelines for the assessment and detoxification of patients entering this modality are important in ensuring a potentially good outcome. This is beneficial for the patient and can ensure a break from dependent drinking for 6 months to 1 year. Importantly, it also shows the crucial and beneficial role a nurse specialist can play in treating patients in the clinical speciality of alcohol misuse. The role of the nurse has changed over time, and can now initiate services in primary care. One such role has set up a service that supports GPs and practice staff in the area of alcohol. Often this is seen as specialist area crossing over into mental health. However, many patients can be managed and prescribed for in primary care with the support of an experienced and knowledgeable specialist nurse. This paper illustrates that through basic audit and research, good outcomes are possible for nurses working on the clinical ‘frontline’. Also, nurses are capable of producing excellent prescribing guidelines in the field of substance misuse.