How to incorporate the CAGE questionnaire in healthcare

How to incorporate theCAGE questionnaire in healthcareHolly Murray December 13th, 2015

BackgroundThe CAGE questionnaire is a simple 4 question survey that healthcare providers can use to assess whether or not patients may have a drinking problem.

Who needs to learn this? All nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and physicians should be familiar with the CAGE questionnaire.

UtilizationThe CAGE questionnaire consists of 4 questions that should be asked directly to the patient. Before beginning, you should let the patient know that the questions can be sensitive and offer to have any visitors step out of the room.

Question #1Have you ever felt you should Cut down on your drinking?CAGE

Have people Annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?Question #2CAGE

Question #3Have you ever felt bad or Guilty about your drinking?

CAGE

Question #4Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning (Eye opener) to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover?CAGE

Each question is worth 1 point. 2 points or more (2 positive answers) is cause for concern that the patient is dependent on alcohol.

This should be taken into consideration when formulating a care plan for the patient.

For example: Patients who are in the hospital will need to be monitored very closely for signs of alcohol withdrawal. In the outpatient setting, the results of the questionnaire might change what medications are ordered for the patient.

The goal:

Catch signs of withdrawal and treat the patient before they go into delirium tremens (a life threatening emergency).

Pros-Short and efficient-Easy to memorize-Simple scoring system-The questions are easy to understand-The most widely used alcohol screening tool

Cons-Patients must be coherent and able to talk -Requires patients to answer the questions honestly -Patients might be less likely to answer the questions honestly in front of visitors

RelevanceAs an FNP, this is one of the routine screening tools I can utilize to get to know my patients better and make sure that all of their needs are being met. I believe in providing holistic care and this tool addresses one very important social aspect of the patients life. The CAGE questionnaire would enable me to identify alcoholism much faster than if I did not use it. I can then use this information to provide better care for my patients.

Thank You!