Impact of the UK Licensing Act 2003 on Emergency Department Alcohol Attendances
Author Information
Author(s): Durnford AJ, Perkins TJ, Perry JM
Primary Institution: School of Medicine, University of Birmingham
Hypothesis
What is the effect of the Licensing Act 2003 on alcohol-related attendances at an inner city emergency department?
Conclusion
The study found a change in the pattern of alcohol-related attendances to the emergency department after the Licensing Act 2003 was implemented.
Supporting Evidence
- Total weekly attendances increased from 1,912 in 2005 to 2,146 in 2006.
- Alcohol-related attendances decreased from 3.6% in 2005 to 2.9% in 2006.
- A significant increase in weekend attendances occurred between 03:00 to 05:59 in 2006.
Takeaway
The new law changed when people went to the hospital for alcohol-related issues, with more visits happening late at night.
Methodology
The study compared alcohol-related emergency department attendances in one-week periods before and after the Licensing Act 2003.
Potential Biases
Potential under-reporting of alcohol involvement in medical records.
Limitations
The study was limited to one week in each year and may not capture long-term trends.
Participant Demographics
Median age of attendees was 29.5 years in 2005 and 32 years in 2006; 62.3% male in 2005 and 64.5% in 2006.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.195
Confidence Interval
95% confidence interval --0.4% to 1.8%
Statistical Significance
p = 0.195
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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