An exploration of the perceptions of emergency department nursing staff towards the role of a domestic abuse nurse specialist: a qualitative study

Abstract

McGarry, Julie and Nairn, Stuart (2015) A note on versions:The version presented here may differ from the published version or from the version of record. If you wish to cite this item you are advised to consult the publisher's version. Please see the repository url above for details on accessing the published version and note that access may require a subscription. Model. It was clear that all of the staff in the study highly valued the role and one which offered support both professionally and personally when nurse were often dealing with very difficult situations. However, the study has also drawn attention to the conundrum that surrounds identification and management of abuse and of enquiry more generally. The ED is ideally suited to identify at risk individuals but is not institutionally organised in a way that prioritises the social concerns of their patients and this nursing role is one way that this issue can be addressed. There is however, still work to be done in developing an infrastructure that supports identification, management and in building stronger relationships at an inter-agency level. The role of the nurse specialist continues to evolve locally, and in light of recent policy directives further research is 3 needed to explore the development and implementation of identification, management and support in the future.

Nurses' recognition of domestic violence and abuse

“…HCPs builds knowledge and improves attitudes resulting in the confidence to recognise DVA and provide appropriate information (Leppäkoski et al, 2015;Litherland, 2012;McGarry & Nairn, 2014;Sundborg et al, 2012). Interprofessional education is suggested as best practice as this enables greater knowledge and awareness of DVA but also enhances knowledge and understanding of the different disciplinary roles in working together towards better recognition of DVA (Leppäkoski et al, 2015).…”

“…Interprofessional education is suggested as best practice as this enables greater knowledge and awareness of DVA but also enhances knowledge and understanding of the different disciplinary roles in working together towards better recognition of DVA (Leppäkoski et al, 2015). Any form of educational activity and improvement of recognition of DVA however, is not achieved without organisational support which promotes responsible practices (Husso et al, 2012;Ritchie et al, 2013;McGarry & Nairn, 2014). This support can be through local policy and guidelines, having a nurse specialist or inter-agency working across localities (Leppäkoski et al, 2015;Litherland, 2012;McGarry & Nairn, 2014;Sundborg et al, 2012).…”

“…Any form of educational activity and improvement of recognition of DVA however, is not achieved without organisational support which promotes responsible practices (Husso et al, 2012;Ritchie et al, 2013;McGarry & Nairn, 2014). This support can be through local policy and guidelines, having a nurse specialist or inter-agency working across localities (Leppäkoski et al, 2015;Litherland, 2012;McGarry & Nairn, 2014;Sundborg et al, 2012). McGarry & Nairn (2014) found that the presence of a DVA specialist nurse improved access to information for patients and nurses, improved general confidence, reduced fear and enabled follow up and supervision.…”

“…This support can be through local policy and guidelines, having a nurse specialist or inter-agency working across localities (Leppäkoski et al, 2015;Litherland, 2012;McGarry & Nairn, 2014;Sundborg et al, 2012). McGarry & Nairn (2014) found that the presence of a DVA specialist nurse improved access to information for patients and nurses, improved general confidence, reduced fear and enabled follow up and supervision.…”

Identifying signs of intimate partner violence

“…Evidence suggests that at least 54% of all women who present to EDs have experienced IPV at some point in their life (Abbott, Johnson, Koziol-McLain, & Lowenstein, 1995), however only 5% of victims are identified by healthcare professionals (McGarry & Nairn, 2015) and the majority remain unnoticed (Corbally, 2001;McGarry & Nairn, 2015).…”