“Between me and the computer”: Increased detection of intimate partner violence using a computer questionnaire - 01/09/11
Abstract |
Study objective: The emergency department is a problem-focused environment in which routine screening for intimate partner violence (IPV) is difficult. We hypothesized that screening for IPV during computer-based health-risk assessment would be acceptable to patients and improve detection. Methods: We performed a descriptive study of IPV data collected during a controlled trial of computer-based health promotion in an urban hospital ED. Patients received computer-generated health advice, and physicians received patient risk summaries. Outcomes were patient disclosure and physician documentation of IPV and associated risks. Results: Two hundred forty-eight patients (69% female, 90% black, mean age 39 years) participated in a clinical trial of computer-based health promotion in the ED. Of 170 women, 53 (33%) disclosed emotional abuse, and 25 (15%) disclosed physical abuse. Of 78 men, 22 (29%) disclosed emotional abuse, and 5 (6%) disclosed physical abuse. Patients were also willing to self-report a history or concern of hurting someone close to them. This was true for 21 (14%) women and 15 (22%) men. Controlling for demographic factors, disclosures of victimization and perpetration were associated with multiple psychosocial risks. Computer screening resulted in chart documentation in 19 of 83 potential cases of IPV compared with 1 case documented in the group that received usual care. Conclusion: Providing an opportunity for patients to confidentially self-disclose IPV has the potential to supplement current screening efforts and to allow providers to focus on assessment, counseling, and referral for those at risk. However, further measures will be needed to ensure that information gathered through computer screening is adequately addressed during the acute care or follow-up visit. [Ann Emerg Med. 2002;40:476-484.]
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| * | Supported by a grant from The Chicago Community Trust (#6-35467), the Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholars Program, and the Section of Emergency Medicine, University of Chicago. |
| ** | The computer-based health-risk assessment used in this study has been redeveloped with funds from the Chicago Community Trust and the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality. It is still in the preliminary stages of development but available for demonstration at www.promotehealthsurvey.com. The authors have no economic investment in its success and view it as a prototype to be shared, revised, and further evaluated for its potential to improve health promotion in the health care setting. |
| * | Note: The quotation in the title is from a patient who commented, “I liked that it was between me and the computer.” |
| ** | Address for reprints: Karin V. Rhodes, MD, Section of Emergency Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC 5068, Room L545, Chicago, IL 60637; 773-834-7467, fax 773-702-3135; E-mail [email protected] |
Vol 40 - N° 5
P. 476-484 - novembre 2002 Ritorno al numeroBenvenuto su EM|consulte, il riferimento dei professionisti della salute.
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