Perceptions of Australian emergency staff towards patients presenting with deliberate self-poisoning: a qualitative perspective.
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.


OBJECTIVE
Explore staff perceptions about caring for patients who present to the emergency department following deliberate self-poisoning.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Health networks are required to ensure that emergency staff have specialist support, knowledge, skills, and guidelines to provide effective care for this vulnerable population.
Monash 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. Electronic address: rose.chapman@southernhealth.org.au.
Rose
R
Chapman
Monash Health, 135 David Street, Dandenong, Vic. 3175, Australia; Australian Catholic University, 115 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy Vic 3065, Australia.
Catherine
C
Martin
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001315:Australia; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D004645:Empathy; D006801:Humans; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology*; D011041:Poisoning / Q000523:psychology*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
Deliberate self-poisoning; Emergency Department; Health professionals; Qualitative approach