The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #72376

Consuelo Dungca, RN, EdD, Office of Clinical Affairs, NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation, Office of Clinical Affairs, Central Office, 125 Worth Street , Suite 427, New York, NY 10013, 212 7883397, dungcac@NYCHHC.ORG, Van Dunn, MD MPH, New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation, 125 Worth Street, Room 507, New York, NY 10013, and Juliet Gaengan, RN MPA, New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation, Office of Clinical Affairs, Health and Hospitals Corporation,Office of Clinical Affairs, 125 Worth Street, Suite 427, New York, NY 10013.

Family violence: Child abuse, domestic violence and elder abuse are crimes of enormous magnitude w/tragic consequences in our society. Since it is a health care issue, health care providers when properly trained can play a critical role in helping victims of abuse who seek routine or emergency care. However, too many providers are not trained to screen for abuse or help victims of violence.

Dating back in early 1990's, NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC), a public heath care system, has a long history of dealing w/complex problems of violence. Prior to 2002, HHC’s 11 acute care hospitals and 5 diagnostic and treatment centers provided treatment to victims of violence without formal standardized training for the health care providers. As a result, a Corporate Task Force, composed of staff from Central Office, facility’’s physicians, family violence coordinators was organized in 1998. By 2002, the Task Force completed and published the Clinician Guide for Identifying, Treating and Preventing Family Violence and was endorsed by the Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence on October 2002. The primary purpose of the Clinician Guide is to provide comprehensive information for training health care providers in managing victims of abuse. It also provides the latest information in management of family violence, and expert advise on family health issues. Clinician Guide is divided into three sections: Child abuse/neglect/maltreatment; Domestic violence; and Elder abuse/neglect. To date, all HHC facilities are utilizing the Guide to ensure health care providers are formally trained to assist victims of abuse. best practices and implement innovative strategies.

Learning Objectives:

• At the end of the presentation the participants will be able to
• 1.Identify approaches in developing and implementing a comprehensive and standardize coordinated Family violence training for health care providers.
• 2.Discuss implementation of best practices in providing care and treatment for victims of violence.

Keywords: Health Education Strategies, Family Violence

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.