Implementation of the Glasgow Modified Alcohol Withdrawal Scale in an Orthopedic Hospital

Patients who misuse alcohol daily are at risk for withdrawal if they are admitted to the hospital after same day surgery. Most institutions utilize the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment of Alcohol Scale, Revised (CIWA-AR) to assess symptoms of withdrawal. However, there is speculation whether it is suitable for general medicine hospitals as it was created for detoxification centers. As a result, the Glasgow Modified Alcohol Withdrawal Scale (GMAWS) was created because the creators felt the CIWA-AR is too complex and timely for registered nurses (RNs) to complete. The investigators conducted a two-phase evidence-based practice study to assess RN perception of the use of the GMAWS tool. Following positive results of a 6-month pilot study, the hospital adopted the tool for use. After hospital implementation, most RNs found GMAWS quick and easy to use, and they believed it made caring for patients more streamlined.