Drug and Alcohol Related Patient Presentations to Emergency Departments during Sporting Mass-Gathering Events: An Integrative Review

Abstract

Background:Drug and alcohol consumption at sporting mass-gathering events (MGEs) has become part of the spectator culture in some countries. The direct and indirect effects of drug and alcohol intoxication at such MGEs has proven problematic to in-event health services as well as local emergency departments (EDs). With EDs already under significant strain from increasing patient presentations, resulting in access block, it is important to understand the impact of sporting and other MGEs on local health services to better inform future planning and provision of health care delivery.Aim:The aim of this review was to explore the impact of sporting MGEs on local health services with a particular focus on drug and alcohol related presentations.Method:A well-established integrative literature review methodology was undertaken. Six electronic databases and the Prehospital and Disaster Medicine (PDM) journal were searched to identify primary articles related to the aim of the review. Articles were included if published in English, from January 2008 through July 2019, and focused on a sporting MGE, mass-gathering health, EDs, as well as drug and alcohol related presentations.Results:Seven papers met the criteria for inclusion with eight individual sporting MGEs reported. The patient presentation rate (PPR) to in-event health services ranged from 0.18/1,000 at a rugby game to 41.9/1,000 at a recreational bicycle ride. The transport to hospital rate (TTHR) ranged from 0.02/1,000 to 19/1,000 at the same events. Drug and alcohol related presentations from sporting MGEs contributed up to 10% of ED presentations. Alcohol was a contributing factor in up to 25% of cases of ambulance transfers.Conclusions:Drug and alcohol intoxication has varying levels of impact on PPR, TTHR, and ED presentation numbers depending on the type of sporting MGE. More research is needed to understand if drug and alcohol intoxication alone influences PPR, TTHR, and ED presentations or if it is multifactorial. Inconsistent data collection and reporting methods make it challenging to compare different sporting MGEs and propose generalizations. It is imperative that future studies adopt more consistent methods and report drug and alcohol data to better inform resource allocation and care provision.

Spectator medicine at an international mega sports event: Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan

“…Moore et al suggested that team success, but not failure, may increase aggression among supporters, and not celebration, drives post-match alcohol consumption [ 18 ]. Others have reported that alcohol was a contributing factor in up to 25% of cases of ambulance transfers [ 19 ]. However, it was difficult to identify alcohol as a factor associated with traumatic injuries.…”

The Impact of Alcohol-Related Presentations to Emergency Departments on Days with a Public Holiday or Sporting Event: A Retrospective Cohort Study

“…Mass-gathering events, social and cultural events, and sporting events are increasing in frequency. [11][12][13] The consumption of alcohol at these events heightens behaviors due to social excitement and increases the likelihood for self-harm, 14 violence, disorderly behavior, injuries, and driving under the influence. 15 As a result, this can increase the likelihood of an ARP to ED.…”

“…15 As a result, this can increase the likelihood of an ARP to ED. 16 With binge drinking attributed to 75% of all alcohol consumed, 12,17 cause for concern continues, particularly on days with a public holiday or sporting event where excessive alcohol consumption 15,18 and binge drinking behaviors are not uncommon. 17 The aim of this research was to examine the impact of ARPs to EDs on days with a public holiday or sporting event.…”

Alcohol-Related Presentations to Emergency Departments on Days with Holidays, Social, and Sporting Events: An Integrative Literature Review

“…5 Furthermore, some people presenting to EDs with alcohol intoxication can have long stays in the ED 4 and can be violent and/or aggressive. [5][6][7][8] Alcohol, a central nervous system depressant, alters communication between the brain and body, exhibiting symptoms of poor concentration, slower reflexes, and increases the threat for risk-taking behaviour. 9 The impact from the consumption of alcohol in many countries continues to grow 5,10,11 with alcohol associated with many social and cultural events.…”