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Routine screening for domestic violence urged
Posted
10-25-99 Washington. Although most healthcare providers routinely screen patients for high blood pressure and cholesterol, domestic violence often goes undetected. New screening guidelines for domestic violence, released last week by the Family Violence Prevention Fund, aim to abate this problem. The group's executive director, Esta Soler, said the guidelines call for routine screening instead of indication-based screening. "Currently, screening is not done on a routine basis. The new guidelines are designed to integrate routine screening in multiple settings such as primary care, ob/gyn, family planning, emergency care, and mental health. The guidelines lay out step-by-step recommendations for healthcare providers." According to an Aug. 4 article in the Journal of the American Medical Association, fewer than 10 percent of primary physicians routinely screen patients for partner abuse during regular office visits. Although domestic violence brings women to the healthcare system, treatment is often done without addressing the problem. In the past, domestic violence detection was largely based on physical signs of abuse, but the new guidelines will weave screening questions into routine office visits, particularly during prenatal care. The guidelines also contain services available to those threatened by domestic violence. Nurses are key to assessing and preventing domestic violence, said Patricia Underwood, PhD, RN, secretary of the American Nurses Association (ANA). "Nurses are in a prime position to screen for domestic violence. We need to ask questions and be prepared to give feedback, referrals, and resources. These protocols should be included in all nursing programs." Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna E. Shalala applauded the guidelines. "Routine screening, with its capacity to reach patients whether or not symptoms are immediately apparent, is a critical first step in helping women access services to end the violence in their lives," she said. The guidelines can be obtained by calling (888) RX-ABUSE. The guidelines packet includes intervention and assessment steps and tips for organizing a hospital or clinic to screen for abuse.
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