The Effects of Alcohol Abuse on a Diagnostic Imaging Department Dissertation

The Effects of Alcohol Abuse on a Diagnostic Imaging Department - Dissertation Example 15 3.2 Data Analysis 16 3.3 Sampling 17 3.4 Ethical Considerations 17 3.4.1 Informed Consent 17 3.4.2 Ethical Application 17 3.5 Time Frame and Cost 18 3.5.1 Time Frame 18 3.5.2 Associated Costs 19 4.0 Possible Projected Outcomes 21 Reference List 22 1.0 Literature Review 1.1 Introduction In itself, alcohol use is not something that generally leads to heath problems or visits to the hospital. However, alcohol abuse is linked to many health problems, both immediate and cumulative. Alcohol abuse can take many forms from drinking significant amounts of alcohol on a regular basis, to drinking large quantities occasionally (binge drinking). Both forms of alcohol abuse have direct and indirect health consequences. Globally, alcohol is responsible for approximately 1.8 million deaths per year . From 2005 to 2006 in the United Kingdom, more than quarter of a million people were admitted to hospitals for diagnoses related to alcohol. This includes direct effects of alcohol, such as alcohol ov erdose, and indirect effects, such as injuries as the result of driving while intoxicated. The number of alcohol-related admissions has been growing since around 1997, and roughly doubled in the years between 1997 and 2006 . Alcohol consumption is also increasing as a result of values changing and alcohol becoming inexpensive and readily available. The consumption of alcohol has become socially acceptable in many circumstances, and is often encouraged . For example, among young adults and in University settings, there is a strong alcohol drinking culture. These factors make it likely that alcohol consumption will continue to increase, and place pressure on many parts of the healthcare industry. This includes hospital departments who often have to work with people being admitted who are... The essay discusses that in itself, alcohol use is not something that generally leads to heath problems or visits to the hospital. However, alcohol abuse is linked to many health problems, both immediate and cumulative. Alcohol abuse can take many forms from drinking significant amounts of alcohol on a regular basis, to drinking large quantities occasionally (binge drinking). Both forms of alcohol abuse have direct and indirect health consequences. Globally, alcohol is responsible for approximately 1.8 million deaths per year. From 2005 to 2006 in the United Kingdom, more than quarter of a million people were admitted to hospitals for diagnoses related to alcohol. This includes direct effects of alcohol, such as alcohol overdose, and indirect effects, such as injuries as the result of driving while intoxicated. The number of alcohol-related admissions has been growing since around 1997, and roughly doubled in the years between 1997 and 2006. Alcohol consumption is also increasing as a result of values changing and alcohol becoming inexpensive and readily available. The consumption of alcohol has become socially acceptable in many circumstances, and is often encouraged. For example, among young adults and in University settings, there is a strong alcohol drinking culture. These factors make it likely that alcohol consumption will continue to increase, and place pressure on many parts of the healthcare industry. This includes hospital departments who often have to work with people being admitted who are still intoxicated, and who must manage many alcohol-related injuries.