The "Prediction of Alcohol Withdrawal Severity Scale" (PAWSS) (NCT01637415) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
The "Prediction of Alcohol Withdrawal Severity Scale" (PAWSS)
United States409 participantsStarted 2012-05
Plain-language summary
Although there are several tools that can be used to evaluate the severity of ongoing alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS), there is no available tool that can predict which patients are at risk for developing AWS at the time admission, before the patient has developed AWS. Unfortunately, there are severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal (e.g., seizures) which may develop early in the hospitalization, and before the development of other systemic symptoms which may warn medical personnel of the possibility of impeding alcohol withdrawal (e.g., autonomic instability, delirium). The goal of this study is to evaluate the psychometric properties (e.g., predictive validity) of a new tool, the Prediction of Alcohol Withdrawal Severity Scale (PAWSS), on identifying which patients are at risk for developing complicated AWS (i.e., seizures, hallucinosis, delirium tremens) among hospitalized, medically ill patients.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Adult patients - defined as 18+ years of age
* Able to understand and communicate in English.
* Admission to the hospital within the last 24 hours to selected Stanford Hospital and Clinics inpatient units from the ED, outpatient clinics/community, or other SHC medical units.
* Without an imminent discharge plan, (within 48 hours of study screening).
* Willing and able to freely consent and participate.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Unable or unwilling to consent and participate.
* Unable to understand and communicate in English.
* Patients transferred from outside medical facilities.
* Patients with imminent discharge plan (i.e., not expected to remain in the hospital for at least 48 hours after enrollment into the study)
* Uncontrolled active seizure disorder.
* Active severe AWS (as defined by CIWA = or \> 20) on initial assessment.
* Identified by the primary team as too sick to participate.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Complicated alcohol withdrawal
Timeframe: During the first 72 hours after admission.