Using technology to expedite screening and intervention for domestic abuse and neglect.
OBJECTIVE
In response to escalation of community violence, the U.S. Department of Commerce funded Home Health VNA (HHVNA), serving the Merrimack River valley communities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, for a project demonstrating innovative use of technology in screening for abuse and neglect.


METHODS
All health care providers in the HHVNA were trained in screening through tools loaded on their personal digital assistants.


METHODS
The sample was comprised of patients served by HHVNA during the study period.


METHODS
When a patient screened positive, the health care provider mobilized resources, including social workers, the office of elder services, or the local department of social services office for same-day follow-up.


RESULTS
Screening for abuse and neglect was mainstreamed into routine care. Health care providers noted significant reduction in redundant domestic abuse data collection. The close communication networks created enabled health care providers to mobilize resources, initiating same-day in-depth social work assessment and referrals to appropriate community agencies. Health care providers now transmit selected encrypted health information and mandated reports to official agencies.


CONCLUSIONS
Wedding technology with health care professionals' skills and knowledge can move prevention of and early intervention for domestic abuse and neglect to a new level of efficacy.
Hawkins
Joellen W
JW
William F. Connell School of Nursing, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA. hawkinsj@bc.edu
Pearce
Carole W
CW
Skeith
Jackie
J
Dimitruk
Beth
B
Roche
Ritajean
R
D034201:Computers, Handheld / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017579:Domestic Violence / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008404:Massachusetts; D009513:New Hampshire