Alcohol interventions in trauma centers: current practice and future directions

Article Abstract:

Alcohol interventions in trauma centers may reduce the future risk of patients and the social and economic costs of alcohol abuse. Alcohol plays a role in as many as half of all injuries treated in trauma centers and as many as 75% of all patients treated in such centers have alcohol in their blood at the time of admission. Studies have shown that any intervention for alcohol abuse is more effective than no intervention at all, and trauma centers offer a great opportunity for identifying people in need and providing them with some sort of counselling or referral. Screening should involve tests for alcohol in the blood as well as the use of questionnaires to identify alcohol abuse. Trained trauma center staff could counsel alcoholics about their increased risk of health problems resulting from alcohol use and emphasize the need for personal change on the part of the patient. Further referrals could be made as needed.

Care and treatment, Innovations, Services, Alcoholism, Alcoholism treatment, Trauma centers, Alcoholism counseling

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Protective equipment for in-line skaters

Article Abstract:

Physicians should do what they can to convince their patients to wear protective gear when skating. The popularity of in-line skating has increased from 6.2 million participants in 1991 to 22.5 million in 1995. However, many are injured and half of all injuries are fractures. The wrist and forearm are most commonly injured. A 1996 study found that the use of wrist and forearm guards reduced the risk of injury by about 90%. This would reduce the costs of treating these injuries, which amounted to $495 million in 1995.

Editorial, Usage, Injuries, Safety and security measures, Prevention, Protective clothing, Fractures (Injuries), Fractures, Skating, Skaters

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