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Use and knowledge of single dose activated charcoal: A survey of Australian doctors
Author(s) -
Corcoran Gabriela,
Chan Betty,
Chiew Angela
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
emergency medicine australasia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.602
H-Index - 52
eISSN - 1742-6723
pISSN - 1742-6731
DOI - 10.1111/1742-6723.12659
Subject(s) - medicine , activated charcoal , ingestion , emergency medicine , cross sectional study , chemistry , organic chemistry , adsorption , pathology
Objective The use of single dose activated charcoal (SDAC) as a means of gastric decontamination is declining. The present study examined the potential use of SDAC in common overdose scenarios by Australian emergency doctors, compared with clinical toxicologists and current guidelines. Methods We conducted a cross‐sectional survey of emergency doctors and toxicologists on the use of SDAC. The survey covered demographic data, education and previous use of SDAC and six clinical scenarios. The scenarios selected included agents not bound to SDAC, sustained‐release preparations and ingestions at varying time points. Statistical calculations were performed using Fisher's exact test. Results There were 397 emergency doctors and 20 toxicologists who responded to the survey. Seventy‐one per cent ( n = 280/397) of emergency doctors indicated they had received some education on decontamination. Eighty‐three per cent ( n = 331/397) had administered SDAC during their medical career, 29% ( n = 117/397) within the past year. There was a significant difference in responses between emergency doctors and toxicologists in two scenarios; a toxic paracetamol ingestion presenting within 1 h ( P = 0.009) and verapamil ingestion in a 3 year old boy ( P = 0.001). Toxicologists were more likely to administer SDAC in these scenarios, 89% ( n = 16/18) and 88% ( n = 15/17), respectively, compared with 52% ( n = 197/381) and 43% ( n = 158/371) of emergency doctors. Conclusions Our study showed that there is a significant variation in the use of SDAC between toxicologists and emergency doctors in some scenarios. Clinical toxicologists are more likely to administer SDAC in certain overdose settings. It is essential to provide education on the benefits versus actual risks of SDAC in acute poisoning so that doctors will understand when to administer SDAC or seek further advice.