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Recognising and responding to intimate partner violence using telehealth: Practical guidance for nurses and midwives
Author(s) -
Jack Susan M.,
MunroKramer Michelle L.,
Williams Jessica R.,
Schminkey Donna,
Tomlinson Elizabeth,
Jennings MayoWilson Larissa,
BradburyJones Caroline,
Campbell Jacquelyn C.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of clinical nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.94
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1365-2702
pISSN - 0962-1067
DOI - 10.1111/jocn.15554
Subject(s) - telehealth , domestic violence , nursing , intervention (counseling) , distancing , pandemic , social distance , telemedicine , relevance (law) , medicine , psychology , human factors and ergonomics , suicide prevention , poison control , medical education , covid-19 , medical emergency , health care , political science , disease , pathology , infectious disease (medical specialty) , law
Aims To synthesise the current, global evidence‐informed guidance that supports nurses and midwives to recognise and respond to intimate partner violence (IPV), and how these practices can be translated from face‐to‐face encounters to care that is delivered through telehealth. Background COVID‐19‐related social and physical distancing measures increase the risk for individuals who are socially isolated with partners who perpetuate violence. Providing support through telehealth is one strategy that can mitigate the pandemic of IPV, while helping patients and providers stay safe from COVID‐19. Design and Methods In this discursive paper, we describe how practical guidance for safely recognising and responding to IPV in telehealth encounters was developed. The ADAPT‐ITT ( A ssessment, D ecisions, A dministration, P roduction, T opical Experts , I ntegration, T esting, T raining ) framework was used to guide the novel identification and adaptation of evidence‐informed guidance. We focused on the first six stages of the ADAPT‐ITT framework. Conclusions This paper fills a gap in available guidance, specifically for IPV recognition and response via telehealth. We present strategies for prioritising safety and promoting privacy while initiating, managing or terminating a telehealth encounter with patients who may be at risk for or experiencing IPV. Strategies for assessment, planning and intervention are also summarised. System‐level responses, such as increasing equitable access to telecommunication technology, are also discussed. Relevance to clinical practice Integrating innovative IPV‐focused practices into telehealth care is an important opportunity for nurses and midwives during the current global COVID‐19 pandemic. There are also implications for future secondary outbreaks, natural disasters or other physically isolating events, for improving healthcare efficiency, and for addressing the needs of vulnerable populations with limited access to health care.