Outcomes After Implementation of a Benzodiazepine-Sparing Alcohol Withdrawal Order Set in an Integrated Health Care System

Source:

Smith JT, Sage M, Szeto H, et al. Outcomes After Implementation of a Benzodiazepine-Sparing Alcohol Withdrawal Order Set in an Integrated Health Care System. JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(2):e220158. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.0158

Key Points

Question  Was implementation of a benzodiazepine-sparing order set associated with changes in medication use and outcomes for patients hospitalized with alcohol withdrawal syndrome?

Findings  In this quality improvement study of 22 899 hospitalizations among 16 323 adults diagnosed with alcohol withdrawal syndrome, order set implementation was associated with relative decreases in benzodiazepine exposure, intensive care unit use, and length of stay.

Meaning  The findings of this study suggest that quality improvement initiatives to decrease benzodiazepine use among patients with alcohol withdrawal syndrome may be associated with decreased use of benzodiazepines and positive patient health outcomes.