"What knowledge and attitudes do accident and emergency nurses' hold towards illicit drug users?" A phenomenological approach.

Abstract

Background Illicit drug use is a major problem worldwide, and rates of consumption are continually increasing. Significant harm is associated with illicit drug use which impacts on the drug user, causing a range of physical, psychological and social problems (The Scottish Government 2008). This impacts on public health services, and creates significant challenges for health care professionals. Aim The study would be conducted to identify the levels of knowledge and the attitudes of accident and emergency nurses in relation to illicit drug users. Methods A qualitative research approach will be applied to the study, and a phenomenological framework will be implemented by the researcher. Purposive sampling would be the sampling strategy applied to the study, and the criteria would include nurses with more than 1 year of experience working within an accident and emergency department. Data would be collected through semi-structured interviews, with questions contained within an interview guide, allowing for a flexible and focused exploration of topics (Ellis 2013). The data collected would be analysed through thematic analysis. The results collected from the proposed study would identify levels of knowledge and attitudes amongst accident and emergency nurses, and allow recommendations to be made regarding training and service provision within the department.