Effects of Phramongkutklao model on alcohol-dependent patients : study outcomes to explore a model for outpatient

Abstract

To investigate the effects of the Pharmongkutklao (PMK) model to reduce or abstain from alcohol consumption and improve quality of life among patient with alcohol dependence. A randomized trial, assigned into the PMK model (n=61) or usual care (n=63) group. The patient with alcohol dependence were assessed by using the 4th Diagnostic and Statistic manual of Mental Disorder (DSM-IV) to diagnose alcohol dependence and screened by the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) with the score greater than 19. After attending the program, the patients were evaluated or assessed in terms of the extent of their addiction, readiness to change their drinking behavior, perception of their own ability to quit drinking, and quality of life. The data relating to alcohol consumption from the questionnaires were collected before, during, and after the program. The follow-up periods were at 1, 3, and 6 months. It was found that the patients joining the PMK program recovered significantly better than those in the usual care program at months and 6 (p < .05). In addition, at 6-month, the treatment group had a moderately better quality of life compared with the control group. The results of the study were later being used to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the PMK Model by reapplying to the outpatients. The contents of the new program for outpatients were validated by 3 experts and trialed at Mae Sot Hospital, Tak Province. The program was carried out once per week for 12 weeks. The findings indicated that the patients in the alcohol dependence outpatient rehabilitation program could reduce or stop drinking to a greater extent than those in the control group. Furthermore, the former were found to be more strongly motivated to change their drinking behavior and have better perception about their ability to do so. In conclusion, the PMK Model can be considered as an effective alternative method in the treatment and rehabilitation of alcohol addiction. The new model can be adapted in other public health agencies.