NCJ Number
219049
Journal
Trauma, Violence, & Abuse Volume: 8 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2007 Pages: 199-213
Date Published
April 2007
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This research review examined the potential impact of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations regarding screening for intimate partner violence (IPV), along with the emerging literature that supports measurable health benefits from screening in medical settings.
Abstract
The review found that IPV resulted in adverse health consequences for many patients. Although patients reported that the health care setting was an appropriate place to disclose and discuss IPV, they were not disposed to volunteer this information to health care providers. This requires that health care workers consistently screen for IPV. Further research is required in order to identify the most effective screening questions and a best method for administering these. Emerging evidence shows important health benefits for women and children who screen positive for IPV and subsequently receive intervention. Mandatory reporting studies are lacking and show variable physician compliance, victim acceptance, and sparse outcome data. Informed consent prior to screening, explaining the process of mandatory reporting statutes, and victim options should be assessed in order to increase the sensitivity of screening tools. Physicians vary widely in such screening practices and tend to screen more often when injury is present. The USPSTF does not recommend universal screening for IPV due to a lack of outcome studies that show reduced injury and mortality related to IPV screening. There is also a lack of sufficiently tested screening tools and empirical data on the lack of harm to patients being screened. Emerging data show, however, that multiple IPV screening tools are available, and current evaluations of these tools are designed to improve their sensitivity and ability in a variety of clinical settings. 3 tables, 74 references, and 3 suggested readings