Alcohol use and injury-related outcomes in older rural trauma patients

Abstract

In summary, people age 65 and older are the fastest growing segment of the United States population. As the older population increases, the risk for injuries also increases. Several studies have established that use of alcohol is a major contributing risk factor for unintentional injury and death in the trauma population. The risk is even greater in the older population where smaller amounts of alcohol may result in significant impairment and injury. Trauma centers provide a systematic approach to the care of the trauma patient and provide significant resources to support personnel and services necessary to provide care for seriously injured patients. One of the essential elements of a trauma system is prevention. This study has supported the need to routinely screen older trauma patients for alcohol use at the time of injury event and provide intervention strategies. Early identification and assessment of the alcohol impaired older trauma patient provides nursing with an opprtunity to implement intervention strategies to detect at risk and harmful drinkers and provide education on the health risks and consequences of continuing unhealthy behaviors. Ultimately this will assist the older trauma patient in reducing alcohol consumption and minimize the patient's risk of developing dependence, reduce unintentional injuries, reduce subsequent readmissions for recurrent injuries, decrease overall health care costs, improve quality of life, and decrease morbidity and mortality. This can make a marked impact on public health.