Care for emergency department patients who have experienced domestic violence: a review of the evidence base.
OBJECTIVE
A literature review was conducted to identify and evaluate the research base underpinning care for emergency department patients who have experienced domestic violence.


BACKGROUND
The extent of domestic violence in the general population has placed it high on health and social policy agendas. The Department of Health has recognized the role of health care professionals to identify and provide interventions for patients who have experienced domestic violence.


METHODS
Systematic review.


RESULTS
At least 6% of emergency department patients have experienced domestic violence in the previous 12 months although actual prevalence rates are probably higher. Simple direct questioning in a supportive environment is effective in facilitating disclosure and hence detecting cases of abuse. Although routine screening is most effective, index of suspicion screening is the current mode of practice in the UK. Index of suspicion screening is likely to contribute to under-detection and result in inequitable health care. Patients with supportive networks have reduced adverse mental health outcomes. Women will have negative perceptions of emergency care if their abuse is minimalized or not identified. Women want their needs and the needs of their children to be explored and addressed. Access to community resources is increased if patients receive education and information.


CONCLUSIONS
Domestic violence is an indisputable health issue for many emergency department patients. Practitioners face challenges from ambiguity in practice guidelines and the paucity of research to support interventions. Recommendations for practice based on the current evidence base are presented.


CONCLUSIONS
The nursing care for patients in emergency and acute health care settings who have experienced domestic violence should focus on three domains of: (1) Providing physical, psychological and emotional support; (2) Enhancing safety of the patient and their family; (3) Promoting self-efficacy.
Olive
Philippa
P
Department of Nursing, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK. polive@uclan.ac.uk
D001294:Attitude to Health; D018585:Battered Women / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016529:Emergency Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D004638:Emergency Treatment / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing* / Q000592:standards; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening; D020380:Needs Assessment; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D015399:Nursing Research / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D015995:Prevalence; D012107:Research Design; D012944:Social Support; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000628:therapy*