An examination of adherence strategies and challenges in poison control communication.

Introduction: The principal objective of this study was to characterize how nurses and pharmacists at a poison control center (PCC) determine the likelihood of caller adherence to a health care facility referral.

Methods: A focus group was conducted with 6 nurses and 4 pharmacists from a regional PCC. Content analysis was used to determine themes within the discussion. All participants were certified as specialists in poison information (SPIs).

Results: Four themes were identified: (1) SPIs' generation of informal "likelihood-of-adherence" assessments as to whether a caller will follow the recommendation to go to a health care facility, (2) SPI communication strategies used to promote adherence, (3) behavior of SPIs during periods of high call volume, and (4) communication training for PCC staff members.

Discussion: This pilot study provides insights in SPIs' current assessment and communication, particularly those related to promoting caller adherence to recommendations.