Purpose:            This poster presentation shares the process and policy outcome related to  the demonstration of nursing evidence regarding alcohol detoxification for inmates. 

Background:            A public-academic partnership with the Connecticut Department of Correction, the University of Connecticut School of Nursing, and the Correctional Health Managed Care program provides the platform for integration of research and practice within this unique and secure environment.  Literature regarding Wernicke’s disease suggests that uncomplicated withdrawal is completed in 5 days, and delirium tremens by 3 days. The challenges presented by the prison structure and clinician experience suggest a longer period of monitoring.  Nurse clinician experience suggests that the period of time inmates are monitored for withdrawal symptoms should exceed the current 72 hour period required by nursing policy. Evidence for this policy change has not been demonstrated in this environment. 

Methods:            Processes for demonstrating the evidence includes a critique and synthesis of evidence, implementation and evaluation of the impact of the recommended     change on inmate care and provider performance with consideration of the prison setting in which the policy is implemented.  Evidence collection includes a literature review, expert opinion, examination of existing clinical policies, and a clinical chart review. 

Findings:            The current policy requires monitoring for withdrawal symptoms for up to 72 hours.  A pilot and evaluation regarding the change in policy are expected to be in process this summer, 2007. Partial funding was obtained through an infrastructure development grant (1R24-MH067030-01).