Experiences of substance-using suicidal males who present frequently to the emergency department
| Autor: | Carol Strike, Yvonne Bergmans, William Watson, Rahel Eynan, Julia M. Spence, Claire Rufo, Jeffrey S. Ball, Paul S. Links, Anne E. Rhodes |
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| Rok vydání: | 2008 |
| Předmět: |
Adult
Male Suicide Prevention medicine.medical_specialty Substance-Related Disorders medicine.medical_treatment Poison control Suicide prevention Alexithymia Recurrence medicine Humans Psychiatry Borderline personality disorder Ontario Emergency department medicine.disease Substance abuse Crisis Intervention Mood Emergency Medicine Emergency Service Hospital Psychology Self-Injurious Behavior Algorithms Needs Assessment Crisis intervention Clinical psychology |
| Zdroj: | CJEM. 10:339-346 |
| ISSN: | 1481-8043 1481-8035 |
| Popis: | Objective:This qualitative study investigated the repeated use of the emergency department (ED) by men with a history of suicidal behaviour and substance abuse to understand the needs and barriers to care for this high-risk group. Identification of common themes from interviews with patients and health care workers can serve as a basis for improved ED-based interventions.Methods:Using semistructured interviews, patients, ED staff and family physicians were asked about needs of the aformentioned group. Twenty-five patients were interviewed and completed questionnaires regarding their substance use, aggression, parasuicidal behaviour, alexithymia and childhood trauma. In addition, 27 staff members were interviewed. Interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed and qualitatively analyzed using an iterative coding process.Results:Of the 25 patients, 23 (96%) had a mood or anxiety disorder and 18 (75%) had borderline personality disorder. One-half of the patients scored high and another quarter scored moderate on alexithymia testing. The ED was viewed as a last resort despite seeking help. Frustration was felt by both patients and staff regarding difficult communication, especially during an acute crisis.Conclusion:The ED plays an important role in the provision of care for men with recurrent suicidal behaviour and substance abuse. Some of the diagnoses and problems faced by these patients are beyond the purview of the ED; however, staff can identify mutual goals for crisis interventions, allow for frequent communication and seek to de-escalate situations through the validation of the stress patients are experiencing. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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