Exploring clinicians’ knowledge and attitudes toward the care needs of complex adult users of the Emergency Department
Tracks
Concurrent Stream 2
| Thursday, October 17, 2024 |
| 1:10 PM - 1:30 PM |
| Tuscan Room |
Overview
Vicki Binnie
Speaker
Vicki Binnie
Princess Alexandra Hospital
Exploring clinicians’ knowledge and attitudes toward the care needs of complex adult users of the Emergency Department
1:10 PM - 1:30 PMAbstract
Background
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) negatively impact physical and mental health in adulthood and increase the frequency of Emergency Department (ED) presentations. However, the relationship between frequent adult presentation to EDs and previous ACEs is poorly understood. Consequently, there may be gaps in clinicians’ knowledge regarding meeting the healthcare needs of this group.
Aim
To explore ED clinicians’ knowledge and attitudes toward the care needs of adults who frequently present to the ED with an ACEs history.
Methods
A purposive sample of multidisciplinary clinicians (N = 43) were recruited from a public metropolitan ED and were anonymously surveyed using Microsoft forms, consistent with ethical approval.
Results
Analysis indicated that most ED clinicians believe ACEs are common among frequent ED presenters and influences their presentations. Clinicians were more aware of the psychological impacts of ACEs than the risks to physical health. While most clinicians agreed that frequent attenders should be asked about childhood adversity, most never asked. Barriers to asking about ACEs included a lack of clear processes or policies, training about how to ask, options for referral, and concerns that asking may create patient distress. Less than half of the participants felt they were well supported to provide care for this group. Almost three-quarters agreed they would like to receive education regarding trauma-informed practice.
Conclusion
While staff appreciate the complex needs of this patient group, they feel under-equipped to manage such presentations. They would welcome further training and resources to better manage care delivery to this vulnerable group of patients.
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) negatively impact physical and mental health in adulthood and increase the frequency of Emergency Department (ED) presentations. However, the relationship between frequent adult presentation to EDs and previous ACEs is poorly understood. Consequently, there may be gaps in clinicians’ knowledge regarding meeting the healthcare needs of this group.
Aim
To explore ED clinicians’ knowledge and attitudes toward the care needs of adults who frequently present to the ED with an ACEs history.
Methods
A purposive sample of multidisciplinary clinicians (N = 43) were recruited from a public metropolitan ED and were anonymously surveyed using Microsoft forms, consistent with ethical approval.
Results
Analysis indicated that most ED clinicians believe ACEs are common among frequent ED presenters and influences their presentations. Clinicians were more aware of the psychological impacts of ACEs than the risks to physical health. While most clinicians agreed that frequent attenders should be asked about childhood adversity, most never asked. Barriers to asking about ACEs included a lack of clear processes or policies, training about how to ask, options for referral, and concerns that asking may create patient distress. Less than half of the participants felt they were well supported to provide care for this group. Almost three-quarters agreed they would like to receive education regarding trauma-informed practice.
Conclusion
While staff appreciate the complex needs of this patient group, they feel under-equipped to manage such presentations. They would welcome further training and resources to better manage care delivery to this vulnerable group of patients.
Biography
Vicki Binnie is a registered nurse, with post graduate qualifications in counselling. She recently completed her PhD at the University of Queensland. Vicki’s research interests include the influence of childhood adversity among adults who frequently attend Emergency Departments, patient-centred, and trauma-informed care in Emergency Departments.
Vicki has broad experience in healthcare having worked in various capacities in Emergency Departments, Mental Health, and Drug and Alcohol Services. She has also worked in counselling private practice. With interests in post-traumatic growth, and trauma-informed practice, Vicki values integrating multidisciplinary perspectives to inform best practice and patient-centred care.
