Withdrawal charts: a clinical tool for the management of drug withdrawal symptoms.

To assist nursing and medical staff to manage an increasing number of hospital admissions associated with drug and alcohol related issues, a tertiary hospital in Perth has developed a tool known as withdrawal charts to assist in monitoring withdrawal from major drug groups, including alcohol, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, cannabis and opiates. The establishment of a protocol through the development of the charts has provided a safer and more effective way to treat patients suspected of withdrawing from a specific drug. Staff compliance and satisfaction is high and patient outcomes have improved dramatically. The authors discuss the processes and principles followed and the outcomes achieved through cooperation across both clinical specialities and disciplines. (non-author abstract)