Understanding Consumer Attitudes and Awareness After Admission to a Toxicology Unit

TL;DR

This study explores patient experiences and willingness to participate in research after being admitted to a toxicology unit.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into consumer attitudes and low engagement in toxicology research.

Findings

Most patients reported positive experiences with communication and care.

Only 26% of patients expressed interest in future toxicology research.

High satisfaction exists, but 74% are unwilling to engage in further consumer feedback research.

Abstract

Involvement of consumers is critical in the management of deliberate self‐harm. We aimed to review the consumer experience in clinical toxicology patient management and research.

An anonymous, consenting non‐consecutive 12‐question survey was administered to toxicology in‐patients between April 28th and October 14th 2025.

From 440 presentations, 43 (9.8%) patients participated in the survey. The patients had a positive response to communication (91%, n = 39), confidence with the treating team (95%, n = 41), respect (93%, n = 40), and access to care (88%, n = 38), but only 11 patients (26%) expressed an interest in participating in further toxicology research.

There was a high level of satisfaction with the toxicology services, but almost three quarters of patients do not want to engage in further consumer feedback research.