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

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.