The patient under the influence of alcohol – Discriminated victim or aggressor?

Abstract

AbstractIntroductionPersons under the influence of alcohol are often admitted as patients to hospital emergency departments (EDs) and other hospital wards. Their behaviour usually differs from the socially accepted norms, and, in consequence, these patients receive lower quality medical care, which is counted as discrimination. In this situation however, it is often difficult to define whether patients under the influence of alcohol are victims of discrimination or aggressors. The aim of this research was the identification of the incidences of unequal treatment of drunken patients by medical staff.MethodThe research was conducted from January to June 2015 on a group of 206 hospital ED medical staff, as well as other selected hospital wards, at two hospitals in Bydgoszcz. The diagnostic poll method was used, with the research tool being the original poll survey questionnaire. Non-parametric difference significance tests of independent groups were used for statistical analyses. The acquired data was processed with Statistica PL and Microsoft Excel programmes.ResultsThe occurrence of unequal treatment by medical staff of patients under the influence of alcohol was observed in the performed studies. There is a correlation between medical staff workplace and the prevalence of discrimination against this group of patients. It most frequently takes place in EDs. In the respondents’ opinion, care and treatment of patients under the influence of alcohol is aggravated by their vulgar behaviour. From viewpoint of the medical staff, the existence of a special care institution for intoxicated persons is justified