Planting Seeds
It can be disheartening and frustrating if your patient does not accept help…you know they are walking back into a situation where they will likely endure more abuse.
As Dr. Tornetta explains; “While you can’t force someone to accept help, keep in mind that you are laying the groundwork for the future. If you seem irritated with them for not accepting help in the moment, then they are less likely to reach out to you when they are ready. There is a good chance that moment will come and if you are kind and let the patient know that you will be there when she is ready for help, then you may become her future lifeline.”
“At BUMC [Boston University Medical Campus] all patients are screened, are asked if they are always isolated and are asked if they feel safe at home. There are warning signs that physicians should look out for.
- The patient is hesitant about being examined.
- The partner answers the questions.
- Prior injuries with delays in medical attention.
- Missed appointments.
- Depression or vague symptoms.
- Noncompliance with treatment.
Preventing Trauma Readmissions by Addressing Intimate Partner Violence
Dr. Tornetta continues: “Intimate partner violence impacts the fracture clinic and our caseload. Physical abuse can create a revolving door of women coming into our clinics with injuries. If we can help stop this cycle, we can free up resources and reduce the burden on our clinics and the overall healthcare system. Also, identifying IPV before it has escalated to extreme physical violence may help reduce magnitude of the injuries seen.
Power and Control
We’ve all heard the saying, “Control what you can control.” The dark side: Intimate partner violence is about power and control over someone else.
The light: Surgeons can indeed control many things. Sometimes, just taking a deep breath and asking THE question can make you feel out of control…maybe because you don’t want to hear the ugly truth…or maybe because you are opening the door to more work (much of it in an area with which you are not familiar).
And while you can’t control whether a woman leaves her abuser, at least you will know that you have done your best to prevent further physical and psychological harm—or even death.”
For additional information, please visit: http://www.ipveducate.com
