Citation

Goodwin V, Shepherd JP. J. Accid. Emerg. Med. 2000; 17(3): 196-198.

Affiliation

Department of Oral Surgery, Medicine and Pathology, University of Wales College of Medicine/University Dental Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2000, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

10819383

PMCID

PMC1725385

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and refine an assault patient questionnaire to facilitate the contribution of accident and emergency (A&E) departments to Crime and Disorder Act local crime audits. METHOD: A brief nine item questionnaire was devised in collaboration with the authors of the Home Office British Crime Survey. A prospective sample of 46 consecutive assault patients who attended Cardiff Royal Infirmary A&E department were interviewed by either reception staff or triage nurses. The questionnaire was revised appropriately. RESULTS: The collection of information in A&E departments about the circumstances of violence was straightforward. Questions about motive for violence and about relationships between the injured and their assailants were problematic. CONCLUSION: The collection of information relevant to Crime and Disorder Act crime audits was possible without extra resource. Receptionists were found to be the most appropriate staff to record information.

Language: en