Exploring the influence of adverse childhood experiences among adults who frequently present to Emergency Departments.
Tracks
Concurrent Stream 1
| Friday, October 18, 2024 |
| 11:40 AM - 12:00 PM |
| Ionic Room |
Overview
Vicki Binnie
Speaker
Vicki Binnie
Princess Alexandra Hospital
Exploring the influence of adverse childhood experiences among adults who frequently present to Emergency Departments.
11:40 AM - 12:00 PMAbstract
Background
Childhood adversity has implications for adult health and is associated with frequent Emergency Department (ED) presentations. A dearth of research exists pertaining to the perceived role of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in the health of adults who frequently attend EDs.
Aim
To explore the self-perceived role of ACEs in the health of adults who frequently attend EDs to better understand how clinicians can respond to the healthcare needs of this complex group.
Methods
This qualitatively driven mixed methods study recruited twelve purposefully sampled participants who recalled at least one ACE and who had presented three or more times in 12-months to a public metropolitan ED. Data related to ACE exposure and perceptions of adult health were collected via questionnaire. In-depth semi-structured interviews explored participants’ perceptions of the impact of ACEs on their adult health and their healthcare experiences. Interviews were analysed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Medical charts provided health related contextual data. Appropriate ethical approvals were obtained.
Results
Most participants indicated they had experienced extensive ACEs. Their overall health was perceived to be fair or poor. Participants felt ACEs predominately, but not exclusively, impacted their mental health. Unmet healthcare needs, stigmatising health care, and a lack of therapeutic psychosocial interventions were described. High acuity presentations and chronically unmet healthcare needs were linked to ongoing ED presentations. Limited accessibility of relevant community services and limited effectiveness of ED interventions were described. The capacity of EDs to identify ACEs among participants and to address subsequent health sequelae was often depicted as inappropriate or ineffective.
Conclusion
Study findings confirm the urgent need for further research to develop, implement, and evaluate trauma-informed ED interventions and community health supports to meet the complex healthcare needs of this group.
Childhood adversity has implications for adult health and is associated with frequent Emergency Department (ED) presentations. A dearth of research exists pertaining to the perceived role of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in the health of adults who frequently attend EDs.
Aim
To explore the self-perceived role of ACEs in the health of adults who frequently attend EDs to better understand how clinicians can respond to the healthcare needs of this complex group.
Methods
This qualitatively driven mixed methods study recruited twelve purposefully sampled participants who recalled at least one ACE and who had presented three or more times in 12-months to a public metropolitan ED. Data related to ACE exposure and perceptions of adult health were collected via questionnaire. In-depth semi-structured interviews explored participants’ perceptions of the impact of ACEs on their adult health and their healthcare experiences. Interviews were analysed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Medical charts provided health related contextual data. Appropriate ethical approvals were obtained.
Results
Most participants indicated they had experienced extensive ACEs. Their overall health was perceived to be fair or poor. Participants felt ACEs predominately, but not exclusively, impacted their mental health. Unmet healthcare needs, stigmatising health care, and a lack of therapeutic psychosocial interventions were described. High acuity presentations and chronically unmet healthcare needs were linked to ongoing ED presentations. Limited accessibility of relevant community services and limited effectiveness of ED interventions were described. The capacity of EDs to identify ACEs among participants and to address subsequent health sequelae was often depicted as inappropriate or ineffective.
Conclusion
Study findings confirm the urgent need for further research to develop, implement, and evaluate trauma-informed ED interventions and community health supports to meet the complex healthcare needs of this group.
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.
