Context
The communication demands faced by specialists in poison information (SPI) are challenging in the health care context.
Objectives
1: Describe SPI communication patterns for the highest risk poison exposure calls using cluster analysis, and 2: describe variation in communication patterns or clusters.
Methods
A sample of 1 year of poison exposure calls to a regional PCC with SPIs’ perceived severity rating of major/moderate perceived was collected. Digital voice recordings were linked with medical records and were coded using the Roter Interaction Analysis System (RIAS). Descriptive analyses were applied and cluster-analytic techniques were used to assess variation in call communication and factors associated with that variation.
Results
Cases were described and 4 communication styles were identified. The Informational cluster represents 24% of calls and represent a pattern of relatively high levels of SPI clinical information and caller questions. The Facilitative cluster represents 35% of calls with a pattern of relatively high SPI questions and caller information provision. The Planning cluster represents 33.5% of calls representing a pattern of relatively high levels of SPI relationship talk. The Emotional cluster represents 7.5% of calls representing a pattern of relatively high caller and SPI emotion. Multinomial logistic regression using call/case characteristics as stepwise predictors of cluster membership revealed relationships between cluster membership and number of substances, type of exposure (intentional vs. unintentional), caller relationship to patient, length of call (χ2s > 21.59, df =3, ps < .01)and SPI identity (χ2 = 88.34, df =33, p < .01).
Conclusion
This study provides a beginning step to understanding SPI communication behaviors. Our results suggest that SPIs are able to use a range of communication strategies that often involve not only information but also emotional responsiveness and rapport building. Findings also point to the opportunity for future communication training for SPIs to meet the needs of the heterogeneous caller population.