Journal article
Improving domestic violence screening practices in the emergency department: an Australian perspective
Emergency Medicine Journal, Vol.40, pp.114-119
14/03/2022
Appears in Recent Faculty of Health Publications
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Abstract
Introduction
Domestic violence (DV) is a major cause of morbidity worldwide. The ED is a location recommended for opportunistic screening. However, screening within EDs remains irregular.
Objective
To examine intrinsic and extrinsic barriers to routine screening in Australian EDs, while describing actions taken after identification of DV.
Methods
Emergency clinicians at nine public hospitals participated in an anonymous online survey. Factor analysis was performed to identify principal components around attitudes and beliefs towards screening.
Results
In total, 496 emergency clinicians participated. Universal screening was uncommon; less than 2% of respondents reported screening all adults or all women. Although willing, nearly half (45%) reported not knowing how to screen. High patient load and no single rooms were ‘very or severely limiting’ for 88% of respondents, respectively, while 24/7 social work and interpreter services, and online/written DV protocols were top enablers. Factor analysis identified four distinct intrinsic belief components: (1) screening is not futile and could be done in ED, (2) screening will not cause harm, (3) there is a duty to screen and (4) I am willing to screen.
Conclusion
This study describes a culture of Queensland ED clinicians that believe DV screening in ED is important and interventions are effective. Most ED clinicians are willing to screen. In this setting, availability of social work and interpreter services are important mitigating resources. Clinician education focusing on duty to screen, coupled with a built-in screening tool, and e-links to a local management protocol may improve the uptake of screening and subsequently increase detection.
Details
- Title
- Improving domestic violence screening practices in the emergency department: an Australian perspective
- Creators
- Amy Lynn Sweeney - Gold Coast HospitalCaitlin Bourke - Princess Alexandra HospitalThomas Martin Torpie - Gold Coast HospitalSally Sargeant - Southern Cross UniversityJames Hughes - Royal Brisbane and Women's HospitalJulie Watson - Townsville Hospital and Health ServiceSheree Conroy - Darling Downs Hospital and Health ServiceAngel Carrasco - Gold Coast HospitalKym TigheNeale Stuart Thornton - Mackay Base HospitalAmber-Shea Cumner - Gold Coast HospitalKathleen Baird - University of Technology Sydney
- Publication Details
- Emergency Medicine Journal, Vol.40, pp.114-119
- Publisher
- B M J Group
- Grant note
- This study was funded by a grant from the Emergency Medicine Foundation, Australia. (Grant EMSS-283R27-TORPIE-2017).
- Identifiers
- 991013002398202368
- Copyright
- © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2023. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.
- Academic Unit
- Human Sciences; Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article