Citation

Ruijne RE, Kamperman AM, Trevillion K, Garofalo C, Jongejan FE, Bogaerts S, Howard LM, Mulder NL. BJPsych Open 2019; 5(2): e29.

Affiliation

Professor in Public Mental Health, Psychiatrist, Epidemiological and Social Psychiatric Research Institute,Department of Psychiatry,Erasmus University Medical Centre Rotterdam; andBavo Europoort Mental Healthcare Organization,the Netherlands.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Royal College of Psychiatrists)

DOI

10.1192/bjo.2019.8

PMID

31068239

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Despite the high prevalence of domestic violence and abuse (DVA) among patients with psychiatric conditions, detection rates are low. Limited knowledge and skills on DVA in mental healthcare (MHC) professionals might contribute to poor identification.AimsTo assess the level of, and factors associated with, DVA knowledge and skills among MHC professionals.

METHOD: A total of 278 professionals in Dutch MHC institutions completed a survey assessing factual knowledge, perceived knowledge, perceived skills and attitudes about DVA.

RESULTS: On average, low scores were reported for perceived skills and knowledge. MHC professionals in primary care scored higher than those working with individuals with severe mental illness (P<0.005). Levels of factual knowledge were higher; levels of attitudes moderate. Previous training was positively associated with skills (odds ratios (OR) = 3.0) and attitudes (OR = 2.7). Years of work was negatively associated with factual knowledge (OR = 0.97). Larger case-loads predicted higher scores on skills (OR = 2.1).

CONCLUSIONS: Training is needed, particularly for clinicians working with patients with severe mental illness.Declaration of interestNone.

Language: en

Keywords

Domestic violence and abuse; community mental health teams; cross-sectional study