Exploring Emergency Healthcare for Women Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence With Comorbid Psychological Distress

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) may cause significant mental and physical health deterioration. This gendered violence often results in victims seeking support from emergency healthcare providers. Yet very little is known about the care provided to these patients. The objective of this research was to provide a descriptive analysis of care provision within the emergency setting to women experiencing IPV with concurrent psychological distress. A retrospective chart review was undertaken. This included screening 300 patient charts with inclusion/exclusion criteria to arrive at a final sample size of 32 patient charts comprising 43 presentations from 2020 to 2022. Whilst IPV is being recognised within emergency healthcare, clinician responses suggest a pathologising of symptoms associated with IPV victimisation and a focus on physiological care. Pathways in place to promote patient safety and outpatient services were rarely utilised. Furthermore, paramedics were seen to have removed autonomy from patients using Public Health Legislation, potentially causing secondary re-victimisation. There are several ways in which healthcare clinicians can improve their care to patients experiencing IPV. Education surrounding healthcare roles and responsibilities and family violence legislation may be central to improving service provision. Knowledge of and referral to appropriate outpatient support services may also be a method by which to address ongoing health and safety concerns.