@article{ref1, title="Abuse obscured: an ethnographic account of emergency nursing in relation to violence against women", journal="Canadian journal of nursing research", year="2001", author="Varcoe, C.", volume="32", number="4", pages="95-115", 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

", language="en", issn="0844-5621", doi="", url="http://dx.doi.org/" }