Routine drug screening in patients with intentional drug overdose : appropriate or not?
| dc.contributor.advisor | Van Hoving, Daniel J. | en_ZA |
| dc.contributor.advisor | Louw, Pauline | en_ZA |
| dc.contributor.author | Ferreira, Yolandi | en_ZA |
| dc.contributor.other | Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Family and Emergency Medicine. | en_ZA |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-03-24T07:19:19Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-03-24T07:19:19Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2024-12 | |
| dc.description | Thesis (MMed)--Stellenbosch University, 2024. | en_ZA |
| dc.description.abstract | ENGLISH SUMMARY: Introduction: Intentional drug overdose is a common presentation to Emergency Centres. However, various management strategies exist for these patients due to the lack of evidenced based guidelines. Performing routine drug screens on all intentional overdose patients may not be cost-effective; besides, it may not even change decisions related to patient management. The aim of this study is to determine the significance of a routinely performed limited drug screen on asymptomatic patients presenting to an Emergency Centre after an intentional drug overdose. Methodology: In this retrospective chart review, all patients who presented with a history of an intentional drug overdose will be identified from patient registers for a six month period. Patients will be excluded if less than 12 years of age, ingestion of non-drug chemicals occurred and where folders are either missing or contains incomplete documentation. The pre-hospital record, nursing triage record, and doctor’s notes will be reviewed. Data collected will include patient demographics, the presence of clinical toxicity and the results of drug screens performed. Conclusion: Significant results could be used to guide the development of both local and national protocols. This should improve the cost related to the treatment of intentional drug overdose patients and lessen the burden of this disease. | en_ZA |
| dc.description.abstract | AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen opsomming beskikbaar. | af_ZA |
| dc.description.version | Masters | |
| dc.format.extent | 63 pages ; includes annexures | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/131781 | |
| dc.publisher | Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University | |
| dc.rights.holder | Stellenbosch University | |
| dc.subject.lcsh | Drugs -- Overdose -- Western Cape (South Africa) | en_ZA |
| dc.subject.lcsh | Hospital patients -- Drug testing -- Western Cape (South Africa) | en_ZA |
| dc.subject.lcsh | Hospital patients -- Drug use -- Testing -- Western Cape (South Africa) | en_ZA |
| dc.subject.lcsh | Medical screening -- Western Cape (South Africa) | en_ZA |
| dc.subject.lcsh | Hospitals -- Substance abuse services -- Western Cape (South Africa) | en_ZA |
| dc.subject.name | UCTD | |
| dc.title | Routine drug screening in patients with intentional drug overdose : appropriate or not? | en_ZA |
| dc.type | Thesis | en_ZA |