Injury report quality in cases of gender-based violence in the province of Pontevedra

Abstract

IntroductionGender violence is a health problem with legal consequences. Health professionals must notify these cases to the judicial authority through injury reports. The aim of this study was to analyse the quality of injury reports in gender-based violence cases, assessing whether the recommendations of health protocols are being followed. Material and methodsA retrospective study in a sample of 474 documents issued in cases with suspicion of gender-based violence was carried out. A scale was developed and applied to assess their quality. ResultsMost of the mandatory reporting documents were of medium quality. In 90% of cases data referring to medical staff, women and primary health care were reflected. Likewise, gender violence and the type of violence were specified in 80%. The most widespread deficiencies related to the history of abuse, which were only incorporated in 15% and reference to whether the patient came alone or accompanied in 9%. In addition, more than 72% of documents had abbreviations. The best injury reports were made in primary care facilities. ConclusionsThe quality of injury reports is related to the structure of documents and their origin, highlighting the importance of having a standard document, as well as the need to improve training and awareness of health professionals.