Citation

Rahmqvist Linnarsson J, Benzein E, Arestedt K, Erlingsson C. Emerg. Med. J. 2013; 30(3): 198-201.

Affiliation

Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1136/emermed-2012-201127

PMID

22433592

Abstract

ObjectiveTo describe the preparedness to provide care for victims of violence and their families in emergency departments (EDs) in Sweden.MethodsA web-based questionnaire was sent to all hospital EDs in Sweden (N=66).ResultsA total of 46 out of 66 (70%) heads of EDs completed the questionnaire. The results show that most of the EDs are prepared to care for women and children who are victims of violence. However, there seems to be a lack of preparedness to care for other groups of patients, such as victimised men. Very few EDs have routines to identify victims of violence among patients. Results also indicate that nurses play a key role in the care for victims of violence; however, family members are rarely included in care.ConclusionsA lack of general preparedness in EDs to care for all victims of violence, regardless of gender and age, can lead to many patients not receiving appropriate care and treatment. To correct this there is a need to implement guidelines and routines about the care for victims of violence. Further research can shed more light on which measures are needed to improve quality of care for these patients and their families.

Language: en