Derek McLaughlin|Hugh McKenna|Julian C. Leslie
The perceptions and aspirations illicit drug users hold toward health care staff and the care they receive
University of Ulster
30 years conflict northern ireland escaped worst excess illegal drug trafficking usage however recent peace dividend brought unprecedented rise availability use illicit drugs new problems pressures brought bear health service literature would suggest drug users loathed feared health care staff staff also admit lacking knowledge skills necessary delivery appropriate support treatment client group literature little offer experiences aspirations drug users relation treatment staff care order understand drug users experiences health care health staff focus group methodology employed obtain qualitative data total 20 illicit drug users across northern ireland took part supporting literature experienced care felt filled judgement hostility loathing recognized clearly challenge pose health care staff findings indicate obvious dissonance tasked care drug users drug users little respect shown either side results suggest action needs taken address deficits knowledge skills values health care professionals relation illicit drug users findings interest service providers within outside united kingdom