Differences in Pre-Hospital, Hospital, and Post-Hospital Care of Adolescents with an Alcohol Intoxication in Norway, Belgium, and The Netherlands: Elite Interview Study

This study aims to investigate differences and similarities in pre-hospital, hospital, and post-hospital care of adolescents with an acute alcohol intoxication in European countries. Qualitative data were collected using semi-structured interviews with pediatricians from all participating countries. These pediatricians were selected based on their experience with the treatment of adolescents with an alcohol intoxication in their country. A total of three pediatricians from the Netherlands, Norway, and Belgium were interviewed. Four main themes were debated; pre-hospital care, hospital care, post-hospital care, and context of adolescents with acute alcohol intoxication. The major differences in the (pre-)hospital section lay within the fact that pediatricians are often not involved in patients with alcohol intoxication at emergency department/primary care settings in Belgium and Norway, whereas in the Netherlands they are almost always involved. Furthermore, differences in hospital care between the countries exist, although the core treatment is the same. Moreover, primary and secondary prevention with health-care professional involvement has only been reported in the Netherlands. Tertiary prevention, like a follow-up program, has been present in all countries. All pediatricians acknowledge that the adolescents often lack awareness of the potential risks associated with alcohol consumption. Consequently, they agree that preventive events or public service announcements aimed at increasing the knowledge on this topic are essential, including involvement of health-care professionals. Improving primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention of alcohol consumption in minors is extremely important to minimize alcohol-related hazardous behavior, injuries, and intoxications. Thus, there should be European unification of the alcohol intoxication health-care pathway.