RIAS Works - Resources by Subject

Poison Control

Ellington L, Matwin S, Jasti S, Williamson J, Crouch B, Caravati M, Dudley W. Poison control center communication and impact on patient adherence. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2008 Feb;46(2):105-9.
(Poison Control, Telephone, United States)
OBJECTIVE: This project explored the communication processes associated with poison control center calls. METHODS: In this preliminary study, we adapted the Roter Interaction Analysis System to capture staff-caller dialogue. This involved case selection, wherein adherence and non-adherence cases were selected; call linkage to medical records, where case records were linked with voice recordings; and application of Roter Interaction Analysis System to calls. RESULTS: Results indicate that communications are predominantly provider-driven. Patient age and percentage of staff partnership statements were significantly associated with adherence at the 0.05 level. Increases in age were associated with decreases in adherence to recommendations (p < 0.001). Increases in percentage of staff partnership statements (over all staff talk) were associated with increases in adherence (p = 0.013). CONCLUSION: This line of research could lead to evidence-based guidelines for effective staff-caller communication, increased adherence rates, and improved health outcomes.

Ellington L, Rebecca Poynton M, Reblin M, Latimer S, Bennett HK, Crouch B, Caravati EM. Communication patterns for the most serious poison center calls. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2011 Apr;49(4):316-23.
(Poison Control, United States)
CONTEXT: The communication demands faced by specialists in poison information (SPI) are unique in the health-care context. OBJECTIVES: (1) To describe SPI communication patterns for the highest risk poison exposure calls using cluster analysis, and (2) to describe variation in communication patterns or clusters. METHODS: A sample of 1 year of poison exposure calls to a regional poison control center with SPIs' perceived severity rating of major or moderate perceived was collected. Digital voice recordings were linked with medical records and were coded using the Roter Interaction Analysis System. Descriptive analyses were applied, and cluster-analytic techniques were used to assess variation in call communication and factors associated with that variation. RESULTS: Cases were described, and four communication styles were identified. The informational cluster represents calls with relatively high levels of SPI clinical information and caller questions. The Facilitative cluster represents calls with a pattern of relatively high SPI questions and caller information provision. The Planning cluster represents calls with relatively high levels of SPI relationship talk. The Emotional cluster represents calls with relatively high caller and SPI emotion. Further analyses revealed relationships between call characteristics, SPI identity, and cluster membership. CONCLUSION: This study provides a beginning step to understanding SPI communication behaviors. Our results suggest that SPIs are able to use a range of communication strategies that often involve not only information but also emotional responsiveness and rapport building. Findings also point to the opportunity for future communication training for SPIs to meet the needs of the heterogeneous caller population.

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