Journal Review
Biroscak BJ, Smith PK, Roznowski H, et al. Intimate partner violence against women: Findings from one state's ED surveillance system. J Emerg Nurs 2006; 32:12-16.
Emergency nurses need to improve documentation of female assault and maltreatment in ED records, says this study from the Michigan Department of Community Health in Lansing.
Researchers looked at 3,111 patient records for female assault and maltreatment victims over two years for the 23 EDs participating in the Michigan Intimate Partner Violence Surveillance system. Chart review confirmed 2,926 incidents of physical and/or sexual violence, with 1,136 involving intimate partner violence. "Clear, complete, and concise documentation is still the crucial factor in effective surveillance," wrote the researchers. They recommend the following to educate ED nurses about documentation requirements:
- inviting them to participate in hospital protocol development;
- having them attend continuing education programs and sessions aimed at improving documentation, familiarizing nurses with the legal requirements of reporting, and helping women create safety plans;
- collaborating with local domestic violence programs.
". . . Emergency nurses are in an excellent position to recognize patients affected by [intimate partner violence] and lead a multidisciplinary approach to intervention," say the researchers.
Emergency nurses need to improve documentation of female assault and maltreatment in ED records, says this study from the Michigan Department of Community Health in Lansing.Subscribe Now for Access
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