Intravenous drug abusers attending an inner city accident and emergency department.
In a 3-month prospective study, intravenous drug abusers represented 1.14% of all new attendances at Glasgow Royal Infirmary. They generated a significant workload and were often difficult to identify. A very high proportion required surgery or other invasive procedures. The clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the patients were often unexpected. The risks to staff and other implications for the A&E department are discussed.
Makower
R M
RM
Accident and Emergency Department, Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
Pennycook
A G
AG
Moulton
C
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012606:Scotland / Q000453:epidemiology; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014505:Urban Population