Abstract
Background. The purpose of this study was to describe and contrast the population of persons presenting to a Vancouver hospital emergency department two or more times with those presenting once.Methods. Subjects for this study had disclosed intimate partner violence on at least one visit to Vancouver General Hospital Emergency Department during the study period 1997–2009. We compared sociodemographic characteristics, presenting complaints and disposition on discharge among single versus repeat visitors.Results. We identified 2246 single visitors and 257 repeat visitors. In a multivariate model, repeat visitors to the ER were more likely to be of First Nations (aboriginal) status, odds ratio (OR) 2.29, 95% confidence intervals (1.30–4.01); to have had a history of previous abuse 3.38 (1.88–6.08); to have received threats of homicide 2.98 (1.74–5.08); and to present with mental illness 3.03 (1.59–5.77). Police involvement was protective against repeat visits 0.54 (0.36–0.98).Conclusion. Persons with potential for multiple visits to the emergency room can be characterized by a number of factors, the presence of which should trigger targeted assessment for violence exposure in settings where assessment is not routine.
Highlights
The emergency department (ED) is a major “point of entry” into the healthcare system by victims
emergency department (ED)-based patient records linked with ED-based domestic violence documentation
Captures 80% of ER visits in Vancouver Data related to most recent visit among repeat visitors
Summary
The emergency department (ED) is a major “point of entry” into the healthcare system by victims Injury is the most obvious clinical presentation of domestic violence Other clinical presentations – chronic illness, gynecological, psychiatric problems, alcoholism, drug abuse, and suicide attempts are seen at emergency departments Drug overdose Alcohol intoxication Psychological problems Suicide attempt/ideation Infections Lacerations/contusions Fractures Pain Burns Trauma
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
