One year follow up of an emergency department protocol for abused women Fanslow, Janet L.; Norton, Robyn; Robinson, Elizabeth
Material type:
- 1326-0200
In this article, the authors determine whether the implementation of a protocol for dealing with women affected by partner abuse was successful. The authors found that, at the initial stage of introduction, the protocol produced positive results, such as a high level of referral to other agencies and increased documentation of assaults. However, it was found that the protocol was not maintained a year later, which could be seen from later levels of referral and documentation. Recommendations are made for improving the sustainability of the protocol, including shorter training sessions for new staff, as time is valuable for those working in the Emergency Department, and the institutionalisation of the protocol, such as pre-printed assessment forms.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health 23(4) August 1999 : 418-420