Alcotail – work package 3
Project leader: Linda Elise Coüssurel Wüsthoff
The interplay between substance use, health, and use of health care services in people who use drugs
The objective of the AlcoTail study is to investigate the implementation and effects of interventions aimed at reducing alcohol and pharmaceutical drug use among Norwegian patients hospitalized for somatic illnesses, as well as the subsequent impact of such interventions on patients' health and substance use. Additionally, the study aims to assess the health status and investigate treatment and service trajectories for patients with other types of substance use disorders. This study is a collaboration between the Agency for Welfare and Social Services (Oslo Municipality), Oslo University Hospital Health Trust (OUS), Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital (LDS) in Oslo, St. Olav's Hospital in Trondheim, and the University of Southeast Norway.
Funded by the Research Council of Norway, the project comprises 5 work packages. Work Packages 1 and 2 focus on surveying patients in the acute medical departments of LDS, OUS, and St. Olav's Hospital for alcohol use, psychoactive pharmaceutical drug use, and illicit substance use before and after the implementation of new substance assessment procedures in the hospitals. Work Package 4 involves conducting qualitative interviews with patients and staff from the same departments, while Work Package 5 aims to conduct cost-benefit analyses related to the new assessment procedures.
RusForsk is responsible for Work Package 3, which aims to identify treatment and service needs, as well as investigate treatment and service trajectories in specialist and primary healthcare settings for patients using illegal substances.
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