Citation

Clark TJ, McKenna LS, Jewell MJ. Phys. Ther. 1996; 76(1): 12-8; discussion 18-9.

Affiliation

Master of Physical Therapy Program, Samuel Merritt College, Oakland, CA 94609, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1996, American Physical Therapy Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

8545489

Abstract

Domestic violence from a spouse or an intimate partner has become a public issue as well as criminal justice, since it was known to be a leading cause of death, in the US. Physical therapists (PTs) play a critical role in prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation in health care of a battered patient. This study describes the knowledge of PTs regarding battered women and determines whether PTs recognize these patients in clinical settings. 200 questionnaires were distributed to 25 outpatient PT facilities in northern California. 151 usable questionnaires were returned. Results showed that out of the 151 respondents (121 females, 30 males), 43% dealt with women whom they strongly suspected or identified as being physically battered; however, only 1% of the respondents routinely inquired about physical abuse. Furthermore, 42% correctly identified the neck, head, chest, and abdomen as the most common location of injuries, and having depression as a psychological symptom resulting from the abuse. The results of the survey suggest that the detection of battered patients by a PT was very low. This could be due to the PT's lack of domestic violence education; and reluctance to ask patients whether they were abused; or beliefs that domestic violence was an uncommon occurrence in their patients' lives.

Language: en