Family abuse and neglect: a case-based ethics model.
The ethical dilemma of caring for the patient from a multiproblem family with suspected domestic violence is discussed. An ethical decision making model that organizes patient data and encourages systematic analysis of the case is reviewed to address the responsibility of the emergency physician to intervene and the options available. The analysis explores specific issues related to mandatory reporting laws, discretionary reporting, and factors to be weighed in deciding the best action for protecting various members within a family when abuse is known or suspected.
Tilden
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VP
School of nursing, SN-ORD Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland 97201, USA.
Schmidt
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TA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D017579:Domestic Violence / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D004635:Emergency Medicine; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011788:Quality of Life; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000175:diagnosis*