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"Between me and the computer": increased detection of intimate partner violence using a computer questionnaire
Karin V Rhodes1, Diane S Lauderdale, Theresa He
1Department of Medicine, Section of Emergency Medicine, the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. krhodes@medicine.bsd.uchicago.edu
Annals of Emergency Medicine
|October 26, 2002
Summary
Computer screening for intimate partner violence (IPV) in the emergency department improved detection rates. This method offers a confidential way for patients to disclose abuse, aiding healthcare providers in offering support.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Emergency departments (EDs) are challenging environments for routine intimate partner violence (IPV) screening.
- Traditional screening methods for IPV in EDs face significant difficulties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the acceptability and effectiveness of computer-based health-risk assessment for screening IPV in an ED setting.
- To determine if computer-based screening improves the detection of IPV compared to usual care.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive study was conducted during a controlled trial of computer-based health promotion in an urban hospital ED.
- Patients completed computer-based health-risk assessments, receiving tailored advice.
- Physicians received summarized risk information from patient assessments.
Main Results:
- Out of 248 participants (69% female, 90% black, mean age 39), significant rates of emotional and physical abuse disclosure were reported by both women and men.
- Computer screening led to documentation in 19 of 83 potential IPV cases, compared to only 1 case in the usual care group.
- Disclosures of victimization and perpetration were linked to various psychosocial risks.
Conclusions:
- Confidential self-disclosure of IPV via computer offers a promising supplement to existing screening methods.
- This approach can help providers identify at-risk individuals for focused assessment, counseling, and referral.
- Further strategies are necessary to ensure that information from computer screening is effectively managed during acute care and follow-up.