Profile and clinical characteristics of alcohol-related hospital admissions within four public hospitals in New South Wales between 2011 and 2021.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the 10-year profile of alcohol-related admissions across four public hospitals within a health service in NSW.

Methods: Alcohol-related hospital episode data were obtained from the NSW Admitted Patient Data Collection. The sample comprised episodes of patients (aged ≥18 years) admitted to four hospitals within one health service in Sydney between 1 July 2011 and 30 June 2021. The data were descriptively analysed, and binary logistic mixed modelling was performed to explore patient characteristics.

Results: The sample comprised 6377 episodes representing 6280 admissions and 3334 individual patients. The sample was predominantly men (n = 2143, 64.3%) in their 40s (n = 792, 23.7%). A 4% significant increase per year in the rate of hospital admissions over the period was observed (incidence rate ratio 1.04, P = 0.005). Most admissions were ≤3 days (n = 4630, 73.7%). Being female and admitted on a Sunday was associated with same-day discharge and is of clinical relevance.

Conclusions: Alcohol-related admissions significantly increased over the 10-year period in this Sydney health service. The sample consisted mostly of middle-aged men with alcohol intoxication, suggesting that local screening and interventions for hazardous alcohol consumption are warranted. Given that women are likely to have a shorter length of stay, further case exploration may be needed to ensure adequate and comprehensive care is provided for this subgroup.