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Emergency department staff responses to a protocol of care for abused women Loughlin, S.; Spinola, Carla; Stewart, L.; Fanslow, Janet L.; Norton, R.

By: Contributor(s): Material type: ArticleArticlePublication details: Thousand Oaks, Calif. SAGE Publications 2000ISSN:
  • 1090-1981
Subject(s): Online resources: In: Health Education and Behaviour 27(5) October 2000 : 572-590Summary: This article discusses aspects of an evaluation of a five-step protocol of care on partner abuse that was implemented in a public hospital. The evaluation forms part of an overall emergency department study, which was carried out between 1993 and 1995 (Spinola et al, 1998). The aim of the study was to develop, implement, and evaluate a pilot protocol to assist staff to improve their identification and care of abused women presenting to emergency departments. The aspects of the evaluation discussed in this article include an overview of the development and implementation of the protocol, and a summary of emergency department staff responses to training and protocol implementation. In-depth interviews with emergency department staff members were drawn on for the purposes of this article. Factors that may assist or hinder the integration of partner abuse protocols into routine care were examined. The findings suggest that the training enhanced staff members' awareness and understanding of partner abuse and improved existing practices. There was some concern from staff members about screening all women that present to emergency departments for abuse. Suggestions are provided that may further assist in improving partner abuse protocols in other health care settings.
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Health Education and Behaviour 27(5) October 2000 : 572-590

This article discusses aspects of an evaluation of a five-step protocol of care on partner abuse that was implemented in a public hospital. The evaluation forms part of an overall emergency department study, which was carried out between 1993 and 1995 (Spinola et al, 1998). The aim of the study was to develop, implement, and evaluate a pilot protocol to assist staff to improve their identification and care of abused women presenting to emergency departments. The aspects of the evaluation discussed in this article include an overview of the development and implementation of the protocol, and a summary of emergency department staff responses to training and protocol implementation. In-depth interviews with emergency department staff members were drawn on for the purposes of this article. Factors that may assist or hinder the integration of partner abuse protocols into routine care were examined. The findings suggest that the training enhanced staff members' awareness and understanding of partner abuse and improved existing practices. There was some concern from staff members about screening all women that present to emergency departments for abuse. Suggestions are provided that may further assist in improving partner abuse protocols in other health care settings.

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