11 | 17 | 2007 Posted By Regan Zambri & Long

Study Highlights the Role of Physicians in Diagnosing Domestic Violence

A new study of doctor-patient conversations regarding domestic violence reveals that cases of abuse are likely under-identified in U.S. Emergency Rooms, and that properly trained physicians can successfully convince the victims of domestic abuse to reveal the truth of their injuries, even in a hectic clinical environment.  The study, which helps to highlight the link between physical and social ills, was underwritten by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and published in the latest edition of Annals of Internal Medicine. 

Researchers conducting the study reviewed the audiotaped interactions of 871 patients and physicians in urban and suburban Emergency Rooms, noting that domestic abuse victims often seek treatment in ERs shortly following an episode of abuse.  The scientists subsequently discovered that only 1/3 of the audiotaped discussions included any screening questions regarding domestic violence, and that those domestic violence questions were often routinized, and presented in laundry lists of questions regarding things such as allergies, tobacco history and health behaviors.  Often, those questions were also framed in the negative sense, as in, "You aren't a victim of domestic abuse, are you?" 

The use of open-ended questions by medical providers, and the asking of at least one follow-up question related to abuse were both found to significantly increase the likelihood that abuse victims would reveal the abusive nature of their injuries.  Study authors also note that a physician's act of voicing abuse concerns and exercising empathy both tend to strengthen the doctor-patient relationship, facilitating better medical care.

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