Open AccessAn Assessment of Residents' Abilities to Detect and Manage Domestic Violence
Author(s) -
Varjavand Nielufar,
Cohen Diane G.,
Novack Dennis H.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
journal of general internal medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.746
H-Index - 180
eISSN - 1525-1497
pISSN - 0884-8734
DOI - 10.1046/j.1525-1497.2002.10404.x
Subject(s) - medicine , headaches , interview , psychological intervention , poison control , family medicine , suicide prevention , preparedness , occupational safety and health , injury prevention , domestic violence , human factors and ergonomics , psychiatry , medical emergency , pathology , political science , law
Despite increased awareness of domestic violence (DV), little is known about residents' preparedness to diagnose and respond appropriately to abuse victims. We designed a pilot study to examine this. Seventy‐one internal medicine residents participated in a 10‐station standardized patient‐based Clinical Skills Assessment. Forty (56%) were male and 31 (44%) were female; 46 (65%) were PGY I; 63 (89%) were trained internationally. One station presented a woman with headaches, whose underlying issue was DV. Forty (56%) residents correctly diagnosed DV. Thirty referred the patient for DV counseling. Eighteen addressed immediate safety concerns, and 23 asked about child abuse. Forty‐eight (68%) made 1 or more incorrect recommendations. Thirty‐six (51%) ordered unnecessary tests. Residents who did not diagnose DV spent nearly twice as much per patient on work‐up (mean, $942.00), compared to those who diagnosed DV (mean, $421.00). Use of certain interviewing skills appeared to promote elicitation of DV. Assessment‐driven educational interventions could help trainees improve their recognition of DV and make appropriate and cost‐effective management choices.