An exploration of the perceptions of emergency department nursing staff towards the role of a domestic abuse nurse specialist: a qualitative study

McGarry, Julie; Nairn, Stuart

Abstract

There is a clear body of evidence which indicates that a substantial number of people who have experienced domestic violence and abuse attend the emergency department (ED). However, many individuals do not receive effective identification or support. The present study sought to explore the perceptions of ED staff about the perceived value and utilisation of a new domestic abuse nurse specialist role that has been created in one ED in the UK. A qualitative design was used and involved sixteen in-depth interviews with a range of practitioners. The findings highlight that staff highly valued the role of the nurse specialist as one which offered support both professionally and personally. However, the study has also drawn attention to the conundrum that surrounds identification and management of abuse and of enquiry more generally. The ED is ideally suited to identify at risk individuals but is not institutionally organised in a way that prioritises the social concerns of their patients and this nursing role is one way that this issue can be addressed. In light of recent UK and global policy directives further research is needed to explore the development and implementation of identification, management and support in the future.

Citation

McGarry, J., & Nairn, S. (2015). An exploration of the perceptions of emergency department nursing staff towards the role of a domestic abuse nurse specialist: a qualitative study. International Emergency Nursing, 23(2), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ienj.2014.06.003

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 16, 2014
• Online Publication Date: Jun 19, 2014
• Publication Date: Apr 1, 2015
• Deposit Date: May 20, 2016
• Publicly Available Date: May 20, 2016
• Journal: International Emergency Nursing
• Print ISSN: 1755-599X
• Electronic ISSN: 1878-013X
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 23
• Issue: 2
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ienj.2014.06.003
• Keywords: Emergency department; Domestic violence and abuse; Nurse specialist role; Qualitative research
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/746002
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ienj.2014.06.003