TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2008//
TI  - Washington Poison Center as Perceived by Our State's Emergency Physicians
JO  - Journal of medical toxicology
A1  - Robertson, William O.
A1  - Caffrey, Angela
SP  - 16
EP  - 17
VL  - 4
IS  - 1
N2  - Introduction: In 1986, we conducted the first survey of Washington emergency physicians about their perceptions of the performance of the Washington Poison Center (WPC); the results were summarized and published. The exercise was repeated in 1993, 1997 and in 2005. Methods: The original conventional 2-page survey was updated and distributed with an explanatory letter and return envelope to a mailing list obtained from the state chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians. Responses were tallied, summarized and compared to prior surveys. Results: For 2005, 612 surveys were distributed; 221 were returned. The average respondent had been in practice for 14 years, with more than 50% functioning in"urban"communities. They reported calling the WPC an average of 19 times per year, and particularly valued being able to consult with a board-certified medical toxicologist in a virtually"STAT'' manner. In more than 80% of calls, the information played a positive role in management of the patient. Conclusions:Washington's emergency physicians continue to highly value the WPC's services, with increasing numbers in favor of governmental support of the operation.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 1556-9039
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/
ID  - ref1
ER  -