A survey of mental health professionals' knowledge, attitudes and preparedness to respond to domestic violence†. (December 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nyame, Sarah; Howard, Louise M.; Feder, Gene; Trevillion, Kylee
• Is Part Of: Journal of mental health. Volume 22:Number 6(2013:Dec.)
• Page Start: 536
• Page End: 543
• Publication Date: 2013-12
• Subjects: Mental health -- Periodicals; Mental health services -- Periodicals; 362.2
• DOI: 10.3109/09638237.2013.841871
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0963-8237

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="executive-summary"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec> <title>Background</title> <p>A high proportion of psychiatric service users experience domestic violence, yet most cases remain undetected by clinicians.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>Aims</title> <p>This study aimed to assess mental health professionals' knowledge, attitudes and preparedness to respond to domestic violence.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>Method</title> <p>Information was collected on psychiatrists' and psychiatric nurses' knowledge, attitudes and preparedness towards the assessment of domestic violence, using an adapted Physician Readiness to Measure Intimate Partner Violence Survey.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>Results</title> <p>One hundred and thirty-one professionals were surveyed. Only 20 (15%) professionals routinely asked all service users about domestic violence and just 36 (27%) provided information to service users following disclosure. Most professionals (60%) felt that they lacked adequate knowledge of support services, and 27% felt that their workplace did not have adequate referral resources for domestic violence. Nurses reported greater readiness to assess and manage domestic violence than psychiatrists (<italic>p</italic> < 0.001), despite psychiatrists reporting greater overall knowledge (<italic>p</italic> < 0.001).</p> </sec> <sec> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>Mental health professionals need to have clear referral pathways for service users who experience domestic violence, and to receive training on enhancing their knowledge and competencies to address domestic violence.</p> </sec> </abstract>