Experiences of Health Professionals Caring for People Presenting to the Emergency Department After Taking Crystal Methamphetamine ("ICE")

Title
Experiences of Health Professionals Caring for People Presenting to the Emergency Department After Taking Crystal Methamphetamine ("ICE")
Publication Date
2017
Author(s)
Cleary, Michelle
Jackson, Debra
Woods, Cindy
( author )
OrcID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5790-069X
Email: cwood30@une.edu.au
UNE Id une-id:cwood30
Kornhaber, Rachel
Sayers, Jan
Usher, Kim
( author )
OrcID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9686-5003
Email: kusher@une.edu.au
UNE Id une-id:kusher
Type of document
Journal Article
Language
en
Entity Type
Publication
Publisher
Taylor & Francis Inc
Place of publication
United States of America
DOI
10.1080/01612840.2016.1251516
UNE publication id
une:20330
Abstract
Globally, addiction to "ICE" (crystal methamphetamine) is increasing and presents emergency health care services personnel with a number of challenges. This paper reports the first of two major themes arising from a qualitative study investigating health professionals' experiences' managing people presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) after taking "ICE." The theme "Caring for people who use 'ICE' when presenting to EDs" comprises five subthemes. These are: (a) expecting the unexpected: "they're just off their heads"; (b) complexity of care: "underlying trauma and emotional dysregulation; (c) connecting and relationships: "engaging in a calm and helpful way"; (d) coordinating care and teamwork: "keeping them quiet and away from everybody" and (e) learning and reflection: "we need to rethink our treatment options." These findings highlight the complexity and resource-intensity associated with providing emergency care to persons affected by ICE, and the need for thoughtful strategies that can further develop the capacity and capability of health professionals to provide optimal care to people using ICE.
Link
Citation
Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 38(1), p. 33-41
ISSN
1096-4673
0161-2840
Start page
33
End page
41

Files:

NameSizeformatDescriptionLink