Erfarenheter bland omvårdnadspersonal av att bemöta personer med missbruks- eller beroendeproblem på en akutmottagning
En intervjustudie
Emergency departmentExperiencesNursing staffPersons with problems of abuse or addictionQualitative content analysisAkutmottagningErfarenheterKvalitativ innehållsanalysOmvårdnadspersonalPersoner med missbruks- eller beroendeproblem
The number of persons with problems of abuse or addiction seeking care has increased during the last years in Sweden. Recent international studies show stigmatizing attitudes among nursing staff, which affect the treatment and care negatively. The purpose of this study was to describe experiences among nursing staff of treating persons with problems of abuse or addiction at an emergency department. The participants were six nurses and one assistant nurse who worked at an emergency department. The interviews were analyzed through qualitative content analysis. The result presented circumstances that complicated or facilitated the treatment of persons with problems of abuse or addiction. Challenging behavior among patients, stigmatizing attitudes and lack of knowledge among staff complicated the treatment while good security routines and a person-centered approach facilitated the treatment. Improved cooperation with the psychiatric clinic was requested to increase the competence of addiction treatment and to make the workflow more effective. The conclusion is that nursing staff at the emergency department lacks the time and knowledge that it takes to give the best treatment to these patients. This contributes to increased stigmatizing attitudes and conscience-related stress. Education, reflection and improved cooperation with the psychiatric ward were seen as important aspects of nursing development.