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Title: | Supporting equitable care of patients transferred from police watch-houses to the emergency department: A qualitative study of the perspectives of emergency doctors | Authors: | Brandenburg, Caitlin Thomas, Stuart Dm Lincoln, Cathy Somerville, Annabel Heffernan, Ed Kinner, Stuart A Byrnes, Joshua Gardiner, Paul Davidson, Peter Daley, Nathan Green, David Crilly, Julia |
Issue Date: | 2024 | Publisher: | Australasian College for Emergency Medicine | Source: | Brandenburg C, Thomas SD, Lincoln C, Somerville A, Heffernan E, Kinner SA, Byrnes J, Gardiner P, Davidson P, Daley N, Green D, Crilly J. Supporting equitable care of patients transferred from police watch-houses to the emergency department: A qualitative study of the perspectives of emergency doctors. Emerg Med Australas. 2024 Aug;36(4):616-627. doi: 10.1111/1742-6723.14408. Epub 2024 Apr 22. PMID: 38650377. | Journal Title: | Emergency medicine Australasia : EMA | Journal: | Emergency Medicine Australasia | Abstract: | People detained in short-term police custody often have complex health conditions that may necessitate emergency care, yet little is known about their management in EDs. The present study aimed to understand ED doctors' experiences and perceptions regarding the appropriateness and management of detainee transfers from police watch-houses to the EDs. A qualitative descriptive study, using semi-structured interviews undertaken with ED doctors working in five purposively sampled EDs across Queensland, Australia. Data were analysed using inductive content analysis. Fifteen ED specialists and trainees participated. Participants reported that their overarching approach was to provide equitable care for watch-house detainees, as they would for any patient. This equitable approach needed to be responsive to complicating factors common to this population, including presence of police guards; restraints; complexity (physical/mental/social) of presentation; reliance on police to transport; ED doctors' often limited understanding of the watch-house environment; justice processes and uncertain legal disposition; communication with the watch-house; and detainees misreporting symptoms. Thresholds for assessment and treatment of detainees were contextualised to the needs of the patient, ED environment, and imperatives of other relevant agencies (e.g. police). Participants often relied on existing strategies to deliver quality care despite challenges, but also identified a need for additional strategies, including education for ED staff; improved communication with watch-houses; standardised paperwork; extended models of watch-house healthcare; and integrated medical records. Providing equitable healthcare to patients transported from watch-houses to the EDs is challenging but essential. Numerous opportunities exist to enhance the delivery of optimal care for this underserved population. | Description: | Cairns & Hinterland Hospital and Health Service (CHHHS) affiliated author: Annabel Somerville | DOI: | 10.1111/1742-6723.14408 | Keywords: | custody;emergency department;equity;police;qualitative | Type: | Article |
Appears in Sites: | Cairns & Hinterland HHS Publications |
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Supporting equitable care of patients transferred from police.pdf | 343.34 kB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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