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Self-treatment of abscesses by persons who inject intravenous drugs: a community-based quality improvement inquiry.
- Source :
- World Council of Enterostomal Therapists Journal; Mar2023, Vol. 43 Issue 1, p28-34, 7p
- Publication Year :
- 2023
-
Abstract
- Objective This study had two objectives. First, to understand and then describe the experiences of persons who inject drugs (PWID) and who use self-care treatment(s) to deal with resulting skin and tissue abscesses. Next, to understand and describe their journeys to and experiences with formal healthcare service provision. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten adults who have experience with abscesses, engage in self-care treatment(s), and utilise formal healthcare services in Nova Scotia, Canada. Results Participants lived with abscesses and utilised various self-treatment strategies, including support from friends. Participants engaged in progressive self-care treatment(s) as the abscesses worsened. They reluctantly made use of formal healthcare services. Finally, participants discussed the importance of education. Moreover, they shared their thoughts in terms of how service provision could be improved. Conclusions Participants described their lives, including their journeys to intravenous drug use. They also described the self-care treatments they used to heal resulting abscesses. They used these self-care treatments because of a reluctance to utilise formal healthcare services. From a quality improvement perspective, participants outlined suggestions for: 1) expanding hours of service at the community wound care clinic and the centre; 2) permitting pharmacists to include prescribing topical and oral antibiotics; 3) promoting abscess prevention education for clients and healthcare providers; and 4) promising practices for the provision of respectful care during emergency care visits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- SKIN diseases
HEALTH education
ANTIMICROBIAL stewardship
RISK-taking behavior
INTRAVENOUS therapy
COMMUNICABLE diseases
SOFT tissue infections
HEALTH services accessibility
ABSCESSES
RESEARCH methodology
MEDICAL care
COMMUNITY health services
INTERVIEWING
SELF medication
PATIENTS' attitudes
EXPERIENCE
COMPARATIVE studies
CONCEPTUAL structures
HARM reduction
HEALTH literacy
QUALITY assurance
DESCRIPTIVE statistics
THEMATIC analysis
HEALTH self-care
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 08194610
- Volume :
- 43
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- World Council of Enterostomal Therapists Journal
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 162863118
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.33235/wcet.43.1.28-34