Biography
Biography: Terri Sullivan
Abstract
Domestic violence screening is a required element of emergency nursing care. Research has been conducted revealing that only 15% of patients cared for in the emergency departments are actually screened for this violence by nurses. The studied nurses identify patient presentation as a determining factor of whether or not screening will be completed and site time constraints and privacy issues as barriers to completion Opportunities exist to save lives by screening all patients for potential domestic abuse. There is no typical victim, and many will be seen multiple times before domestic abuse is unveiled. It is important for providers to know how to assess for violence and what to do if it is disclosed.