Domestic Violence and Abuse screening in emergency department: A rapid review of the literature

Aim: The aim of the review was to identify intimate partner violence screening interventions used in emergency departments (ED) and to explore factors affecting intimate partner violence screening in EDs. Background: Intimate partner violence against women is now clearly recognised as a global health and societal issue. Nurses working in emergency and urgent care settings can play a crucial role in identification, prevention and management of intimate partner violence Research exploring optimal methods of IPV screening and factors affecting intimate partner violence screening in EDs is relatively limited. Design: Literature review: Rapid Evidence Synthesis. Methods: Literature published between 2000-2015 was reviewed using the principles of rapid evidence assessment. Six electronic databases: CINAHL Medline, EMBASE, Psych Info, the Cochrane Library and Joanna Briggs Library. Results: Twenty-nine empirical studies meeting the eligibility criteria were independently assessed by two authors using appropriate Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Checklists. IPV screening in EDs is usually performed using electronic, face to face or pen and paper based instruments. Routine or universal screening results in higher identification rates of IPV. Women who screen positive for IPV in EDs are more likely to experience abuse in subsequent months. Factors that facilitate PV screening can be classified as health care professionals related factors, organisational factors and patient related factors. Conclusion: EDs provide a unique opportunity for health care professionals to screen patients for IPV. Competence in assessing the needs of the patients appears to be a very significant factor that may affect rates of IPV disclosure.