Outcomes and Costs of Two VA Inpatient Treatment Programs for Older Alcoholic Patients
T. Michael Kashner Ph.D., M.P.H.1,
Daniel E. Rodell Ph.D.2,
Sydney R. Ogden M.S.S.W.2,
Frederick G. Guggenheim M.D.2, and
Craig N. Karson M.D.2
1 Veterans Affairs Medical Center (151), 4500 South Lancaster Road, Dallas, Texas 752 16; University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas
2 department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences-
One hundred thirty-seven older alcoholic patients were randomly assigned to two different inpatient treatment programs at a Veterans Affairs medical center and followed for one year after discharge. The older alcoholic rehabilitation (OAR) program was operated by a tolerant staff that specialized in treating elderly alcoholics. Treatment included reminiscence therapy with goals of developing patient self-esteem and peer relationships. The traditional care program emphasized confrontation to focus on patients' past failures and present conflicts. Patient care costs were slightly lower (2.5 percent lower) in the OAR program than in the more traditional program, and OAR patients were 2.1 times more likely to report abstinence at one year. Response to the OAR program was best for patients over 60 years of age.
Note:
This project was supported by a grant from the Health Services Research and Development Service of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
