 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
|
| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Sarah Blust, MPH, MSW1, Debra Kalmuss, PhD1, Sandra Ortiz, MD1, Dodi D. Meyer, MD2, and Milagros Batiste, MSW2. (1) Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 60 Haven Avenue, B-2, New York, NY 10032, 718-768-2968, sjblust@earthlink.net, (2) Division of General Pediatrics, Columbia University, 622 W. 168th St. VC-4, New York, NY 10032
Background: despite American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for pediatricians to routinely screen for domestic violence, screening is not conducted universally or consistently. As part of a departmental wide effort at enhancing training, screening and referral in domestic violence, we sought to better understand provider’s perspectives on the issue of domestic violence. Objective: to examine provider beliefs, practices and barriers regarding screening for domestic violence. Methods: we conducted a survey of 28/39 pediatricians, (11/13 attendings and 17/26 residents) working in two hospital affiliated pediatric practices in a low income, Latino community in New York City. A public health student conducted in-depth interviews regarding providers beliefs, practices and referrals patterns in domestic violence. Results: The pediatricians were aware of the need to screen, believed in its value, and made some attempt to do so in their practice. There were differences however in how they defined screening (e.g. who to screen and how often). Moreover, despite the high prevalence of domestic violence in the community, most of them had never had a positive screen. This undermined their confidence in their screening ability and also translated into a lack of clinical experience handling positive domestic violence cases. Reported screening barriers included: language, time pressures, concerns about protocol and ethical issues regarding reporting positive cases to Children’s Services. Conclusions: pediatricians in practice in low-income communities perceive multiple challenges in implementing routine screening procedures. The findings suggest the need for several interventions, including: standardized screening, follow-up and referral protocols, ongoing training, readily available translation services, and improved multidisciplinary collaboration
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Domestic Violence, Pediatrics
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, ACNC Pediatric Clinics
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.