Scoping review of managed alcohol programs
Abstract Background Internationally, strategies focusing on reducing alcohol-related harms in homeless populations with severe alcohol use disorder (AUD) continue to gain acceptance, especially when conventional modalities focused on alcohol abstinence have been unsuccessful. One such strategy is th...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
BMC
2022-07-01
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| Series: | Harm Reduction Journal |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-022-00646-0 |
| _version_ | 1811222949895602176 |
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| author | Shannon M. Smith-Bernardin Leslie W. Suen Jill Barr-Walker Isabel Arrellano Cuervo Margaret A. Handley |
| author_facet | Shannon M. Smith-Bernardin Leslie W. Suen Jill Barr-Walker Isabel Arrellano Cuervo Margaret A. Handley |
| author_sort | Shannon M. Smith-Bernardin |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Internationally, strategies focusing on reducing alcohol-related harms in homeless populations with severe alcohol use disorder (AUD) continue to gain acceptance, especially when conventional modalities focused on alcohol abstinence have been unsuccessful. One such strategy is the managed alcohol program (MAP), an alcohol harm reduction program managing consumption by providing eligible individuals with regular doses of alcohol as a part of a structured program, and often providing resources such as housing and other social services. Evidence to the role of MAPs for individuals with AUD, including how MAPs are developed and implemented, is growing. Yet there has been limited collective review of literature findings. Methods We conducted a scoping review to answer, “What is being evaluated in studies of MAPs? What factors are associated with a successful MAP, from the perspective of client outcomes? What are the factors perceived as making them a good fit for clients and for communities?” We first conducted a systematic search in PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Sociological Abstracts, Social Services Abstracts, and Google Scholar. Next, we searched the gray literature (through focused Google and Ecosia searches) and references of included articles to identify additional studies. We also contacted experts to ensure relevant studies were not missed. All articles were independently screened and extracted. Results We included 32 studies with four categories of findings related to: (1) client outcomes resulting from MAP participation, (2) client experience within a MAP; (3) feasibility and fit considerations in MAP development within a community; and (4) recommendations for implementation and evaluation. There were 38 established MAPs found, of which 9 were featured in the literature. The majority were located in Canada; additional research works out of Australia, Poland, the USA, and the UK evaluate potential feasibility and fit of a MAP. Conclusions The growing literature showcases several outcomes of interest, with increasing efforts aimed at systematic measures by which to determine the effectiveness and potential risks of MAP. Based on a harm reduction approach, MAPs offer a promising, targeted intervention for individuals with severe AUD and experiencing homelessness. Research designs that allow for longitudinal follow-up and evaluation of health- and housing-sensitive outcomes are recommended. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-12T08:23:40Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-d918232546d246279e2be8ae9bf14b49 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1477-7517 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-12T08:23:40Z |
| publishDate | 2022-07-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Harm Reduction Journal |
| spelling | doaj.art-d918232546d246279e2be8ae9bf14b492022-12-22T03:40:29ZengBMCHarm Reduction Journal1477-75172022-07-0119112710.1186/s12954-022-00646-0Scoping review of managed alcohol programsShannon M. Smith-Bernardin0Leslie W. Suen1Jill Barr-Walker2Isabel Arrellano Cuervo3Margaret A. Handley4School of Nursing, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San FranciscoNational Clinician Scholars Program, Philip R. Lee Institute of Health Policy Studies, University of California, San FranciscoZSFG Library, University of California, San FranciscoContra Costa County Family Medicine ResidencyUCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative at ZSFG Hospital and Trauma CenterAbstract Background Internationally, strategies focusing on reducing alcohol-related harms in homeless populations with severe alcohol use disorder (AUD) continue to gain acceptance, especially when conventional modalities focused on alcohol abstinence have been unsuccessful. One such strategy is the managed alcohol program (MAP), an alcohol harm reduction program managing consumption by providing eligible individuals with regular doses of alcohol as a part of a structured program, and often providing resources such as housing and other social services. Evidence to the role of MAPs for individuals with AUD, including how MAPs are developed and implemented, is growing. Yet there has been limited collective review of literature findings. Methods We conducted a scoping review to answer, “What is being evaluated in studies of MAPs? What factors are associated with a successful MAP, from the perspective of client outcomes? What are the factors perceived as making them a good fit for clients and for communities?” We first conducted a systematic search in PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Sociological Abstracts, Social Services Abstracts, and Google Scholar. Next, we searched the gray literature (through focused Google and Ecosia searches) and references of included articles to identify additional studies. We also contacted experts to ensure relevant studies were not missed. All articles were independently screened and extracted. Results We included 32 studies with four categories of findings related to: (1) client outcomes resulting from MAP participation, (2) client experience within a MAP; (3) feasibility and fit considerations in MAP development within a community; and (4) recommendations for implementation and evaluation. There were 38 established MAPs found, of which 9 were featured in the literature. The majority were located in Canada; additional research works out of Australia, Poland, the USA, and the UK evaluate potential feasibility and fit of a MAP. Conclusions The growing literature showcases several outcomes of interest, with increasing efforts aimed at systematic measures by which to determine the effectiveness and potential risks of MAP. Based on a harm reduction approach, MAPs offer a promising, targeted intervention for individuals with severe AUD and experiencing homelessness. Research designs that allow for longitudinal follow-up and evaluation of health- and housing-sensitive outcomes are recommended.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-022-00646-0Managed alcohol programHarm reductionAlcohol use disorderHomelessnessScoping review |
| spellingShingle | Shannon M. Smith-Bernardin Leslie W. Suen Jill Barr-Walker Isabel Arrellano Cuervo Margaret A. Handley Scoping review of managed alcohol programs Harm Reduction Journal Managed alcohol program Harm reduction Alcohol use disorder Homelessness Scoping review |
| title | Scoping review of managed alcohol programs |
| title_full | Scoping review of managed alcohol programs |
| title_fullStr | Scoping review of managed alcohol programs |
| title_full_unstemmed | Scoping review of managed alcohol programs |
| title_short | Scoping review of managed alcohol programs |
| title_sort | scoping review of managed alcohol programs |
| topic | Managed alcohol program Harm reduction Alcohol use disorder Homelessness Scoping review |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-022-00646-0 |
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