Citation

Varcoe C. Can. J. Nurs. Res. 2001; 32(4): 95-115.

Affiliation

School of Nursing, University of Victoria, Lower Mainland Campus, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. cvarcoe@telus.net

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, McGill University School of Nursing, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

11928304

Abstract

Violence against women is a significant health issue in Canada and around the globe, yet the health-care response has been inadequate. While various reasons for this inadequacy have been suggested, little systematic research has been undertaken. This ethnographic study of 2 hospital emergency units was conducted to describe nursing practice in relation to violence against women. Participant observation and interviews with 25 healthcare providers and 5 patients in the 2 units were complemented by interviews with 5 nurses from other emergency units. The findings illustrate that abuse is obscured and practice shaped by stereotypical thinking and a focus on physical problems and rapid patient processing. Perceptions of patient deservedness influenced care that ranged from "doing nothing" to actively offering the patient choices. This description provides a basis for designing meaningful education for nurses and systemic changes that will foster more effective practice.

Language: en