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Perceptions of Australian emergency staff towards patients presenting with deliberate self-poisoning: a qualitative
Rose Chapman1, Catherine Martin2
1Monash Health, 135 David Street, Dandenong, Vic. 3175, Australia; Australian Catholic University, 115 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy Vic 3065, Australia; Curtin University, Kent Street Bentley, WA, Australia.
Introduction/Background:
Attitude of staff towards patients who present to the emergency department following deliberate self-poisoning may be integral to the outcome of these events. There is little in-depth understanding of emergency staff perceptions about this vulnerable group.
Aim:
Explore staff perceptions about caring for patients who present to the emergency department following deliberate self-poisoning.
Design:
Qualitative descriptive study.
Methods:
Two open-ended questions enabled 186 clinicians to describe their perceptions about caring for people who present to the emergency department following deliberate self-poisoning. Data were analysed using qualitative data analysis procedures.
Results:
Three themes emerged from the data representing staff perceptions about caring for patients who deliberately self-poisoned and included depends on the patient, treat everyone the same, and skilled and confident to manage these patients.
Conclusion:
Staff reported mixed reactions to patients presenting with deliberate self-poisoning. These included feelings of empathy or frustration, and many lacked the skills and confidence to effectively manage these patients.
Relevance To Practice:
Health networks are required to ensure that emergency staff have specialist support, knowledge, skills, and guidelines to provide effective care for this vulnerable population.
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