POISONING OBSERVATION AND ASSESSMENT

Records of 360 poisoning patients were evolved with observation by trained experts for 6 months on a structured taxonomy sheet (STS) on first entry to a selected poisoning ward. Observations made were about the patients’ appearance, facial expressions, vocal signs, social interaction and other observable signs. It was assumed that (STS) could help to distinguish between self, accidental and pretended poisoning behaviors as a quick measure as compared with existing hospital emergency diagnosis procedures. (STS) records were compared with emergency diagnosis. Comparison revealed (STS) capacity to report otherness in three poisoning types with workable similarity. Importance of observational methods emerged in high emergency for diagnosis/ assessment that could be utilized in areas having less advanced facilities for diagnosis. Methodology suitability emerged as objective diagnosis/ assessment possibility in other kinds of emergency situations in less developed areas. More cross cultural comparison would highlight utility in developing cultures?