All doctors are required to observe for possible dv

Posted , 4 users are following.

A poster wrote that "domestic violence isn't something gp's deal with "---- it's my understanding that a doctor in any area of medicine can and at some point likely will encounter patients who present with injuries due to dv--- any doctor is ethically responsible to be aware of this and to be observant of any symptoms or injuries, and certain behaviors or comments that could indicate dv. It is common for a victim of dv for example to see a doctor for another reason for example, anxiety. If the doctor has his eyes open and notices the patient has a couple bruises on her arms or seems guarded about sharing information, that's just an example of something that would tip off a doctor who has his eyes half open to the possibility of dv. At that point the doctor should raise in a sensitive manner if the patient is safe at home. Some doctors offices now ask as a matter of routine to all patients if they are safe at home. So I disagree that a gp doctor doesn't encounter dv or have a responsibility to address it.

1 like, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Posted

    I think not only doctors but also all health care professionals should be trained in the area of DV. Recognizing and offering help is vital
  • Posted

    Unfortunately, demographics plays a huge roll in this, though you say this is what doctors should look out for or should care, in my experience as a retired health care professional, many gp's and even Emergency room doctors or police, dont give a hoot about what type of dv you've been through, especially if you live in the suburbs. City physicians, health care workers and the police on the other hand all take this matter seriously.

  • Posted

    Also, HMO's careless about patients than any other type of medical service. I live in a big city, what Im told from patients about HMO's make me cringe at how poorly they were treated. Requirements in medical ethics dont exist in that environment unless, the doctor him/herself live by their own ethical virtue.

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