The profile of the overdose patient presenting to Paarl Hospital Emergency Department

Abstract

Overdose is a common problem, often seen in emergency departments in South Africa. The aim of this study was to determine the profile of the overdose patient presenting to Paarl Hospital, the number of cases per day of the week and per month of the year, which drugs were most commonly used, as well as the seriousness of the incident. The study also looked at whether the hospital’s policy regarding psychiatric evaluation protocol was followed. A review of cases involving all patients with overdoses presenting to Paarl Hospital during the period of July 1 to December 31, 2005, was undertaken. Data was collected from 196 medical records, using a data collection form. The results of the study showed that most patients were females with an average age of 27.3 years. Most patients were either unemployed or scholars from areas with low socio-economic circumstances. Tricyclic antidepressants and paracetamol were the drugs most commonly used and 42.3% of patients took more than one drug. Few cases of overdose resulted in serious morbidity, with only 8.5% admitted to high care. The attending doctors followed the policy of the hospital, regarding psychiatric evaluation, in most cases.