Linkage to primary medical care following inpatient detoxification

Am J Addict. 2007 May-Jun;16(3):183-6. doi: 10.1080/10550490701375319.

Abstract

It is important to address the medical problems of individuals admitted for detoxification by arranging for follow-up with primary care physicians after discharge. This was a prospective cohort study of 119 patients admitted for detoxification. Follow-up data were collected over the telephone one week following discharge. Among this group of patients, 72% had a primary care provider (PCP). Patients who intended to see their provider were statistically more likely to be abstinent on follow-up (OR = 4.5, CI = 1.24-16.58, p = 0.024). As compared to those patients without primary care follow-up, having a plan to see one's PCP was associated with lower rates of relapse following detoxification.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Comorbidity
  • Continuity of Patient Care*
  • Family
  • Female
  • Hospitalization*
  • Hospitals, Teaching
  • Humans
  • Inactivation, Metabolic*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Primary Health Care*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Social Support
  • Substance-Related Disorders / psychology
  • Substance-Related Disorders / therapy*