Does Training and Documentation Improve Emergency Department Assessments of Domestic Violence Victims?

• NCJ Number: 245466
• Journal: Journal of Family Violence Volume: 28 Issue: 5 Dated: July 2013 Pages: 471-477
• Author(s): Miranda Ritchie; Katherine Nelson; Russell Wills; Lisa Jones
• Date Published: July 2013
• Length: 7 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study determined whether training and documentation led to improved assessment of female victims of assault due to domestic violence presenting to an emergency department.

Abstract

Eighty clinical records were audited using a valid and reliable audit tool over four time periods for variables including history, risk assessment, and examination. Documentation differed across the four groups (p=0.011). Between group analysis found there was a difference (p=0.055) between Groups 1 (before training) and 2 (after training), and Group 3 (with a specialist form in place), and there was a difference (p=0.009) between Groups 1 and 4 (8 years later). Training alone did not lead to change. Introducing specialist documentation with training was associated with an improvement in the standard of clinical assessment of female victims of assault due to domestic violence and this change increased over time. Abstract published by arrangement with Springer.