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If Not Me, Then Who? : Exploring the Challenges Experienced by Front-Line Clinicians Screening for, and Communicating About, Domestic Violence in the Emergency Department
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

If Not Me, Then Who? : Exploring the Challenges Experienced by Front-Line Clinicians Screening for, and Communicating About, Domestic Violence in the Emergency Department

Sally Jean Elizabeth Sargeant, Kathleen Baird, Amy Sweeny and Thomas Torpie
Violence against women, Vol.29(12-13), pp.2508-2526
10/2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/10778012231186816
PMID: 37415519
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Published (Version of record)CC BY V4.0,  Open Access
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UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#3 Good Health and Well-Being
#5 Gender Equality
#16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

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Abstract

Health Communications Qualitative methods domestic violence Critical Health Psychology
Screening for domestic violence in healthcare settings increases detection. The emergency department (ED) is one setting where victims frequently attend with injuries and illnesses sustained from violence. However, screening rates remain suboptimal. There is little research about how formal screening occurs, or how less structured interactions are negotiated within the ED context. This article explores this important, but non-mandatory procedure within the context of clinician–patient interactions in Australia. A descriptive qualitative study was undertaken with 21 clinicians across seven EDs in Australia. Thematic analysis was undertaken by two researchers. Results indicate a lack of confidence around DV screening, and tensions in clinicians initiating conversation while managing their own emotional stressors. No participants expressed knowledge of formal screening processes in their workplaces. Successful DV screening programs must provide clinicians with the tools to minimize perceived discomfort in initiating and sustaining conversations while accepting patient preferences regarding disclosure.

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