Assessment 4: Final Care Coordination Plan

Assessment 4: Final Care Coordination Plan

In the US, family and domestic violence is a common problem that affects around 10 million people a year. Research suggests that domestic violence affects a significant proportion of the population, with approximately one in four women and one in nine men experiencing such violence (Grillo et al., 2019). Healthcare practitioners often encounter patients who have suffered from family or domestic abuse. Abuse of any kind, including financial, physical, sexual, mental, and psychological, may be classified as domestic or family violence and can affect people of all ages, including adults, children, and the elderly. Domestic violence hurts one’s physical and mental health, as well as productivity, quality of life, and, in some cases, fatality. This paper aims to outline the key priorities for a care coordinator when discussing a plan to address domestic violence with a patient and their family members.

Patient-Centered Health Interventions

The Healthy People 2030 initiative, which addresses domestic violence, aims to lower various forms of violence, including physical assaults, sexual assaults, and gun-related injuries (Rauhaus et al., 2020). When the victim is afraid, it may be difficult to identify domestic violence, especially when they go to the ER or a doctor’s office. Creating an evaluation process and being aware of the possible connection between domestic and family abuse and the symptoms and indications that the patient is presenting with is essential. More than 80% of victims of family and domestic abuse go to hospitals for treatment; other victims may see therapists, dentists, and other medical professionals (Grillo et al., 2019). Patient-centered care for these individuals primarily focuses on assessing and managing physical injuries, pain, and psychological trauma.

All healthcare practitioners, such as nurses, physicians, doctor’s assistants, dental practitioners, nurse practitioners, and pharmacists, should conduct routine screening. Interdisciplinary screening coordination is crucial for safeguarding victims and reducing adverse health outcomes within 24 hours (Lutgendorf, 2019). Proving the correlation between injuries and domestic abuse poses a significant challenge. The primary focus is on injuries that significantly risk one’s life or physical well-being. Following stabilization and physical assessment, laboratory tests and imaging modalities such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans may be necessary. Healthcare professionals should prioritize addressing the root cause of the patient’s condition upon their arrival at the emergency department.

After confirming the patient’s stability and absence of pain, it is essential to conduct a comprehensive assessment of individuals who have disclosed experiencing abuse. The primary focus is on evaluating safety. Utilizing a set of predetermined questions can assist in reducing ambiguity during the patient’s assessment. In imminent peril, it is advisable to promptly seek assistance from an advocate, a shelter, a victim hotline, or legal authorities within a 24-hour (Lutgendorf, 2019). In the absence of imminent peril, the evaluation should prioritize the examination of mental and physical well-being while also ascertaining the presence of any prior or ongoing instances of abuse. The responses determine the suitable intervention.

Survivors of intimate partner violence demonstrate elevated rates and severity of depression, with symptoms potentially enduring for up to five years following the cessation of violence (Grillo et al., 2019). Survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) also experience higher rates of anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and issues related to alcohol and substance abuse. In an ideal world, the hospital would allow patients to speak privately with a medical professional, be prepared to handle emergencies, offer consolation measures like information, support, and emotional support, and be able to connect patients with local social service organizations. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommend IPV screening and counseling for all adolescent and adult women as part of preventive care. The Department of Health and Human Services has also adopted these recommendations as part of the preventive care provided through the Affordable Care Act.

Ethical Decision

Obtaining authorization promptly is crucial when providing treatment to clients affected by domestic violence. Specific individuals who engage in domestic violence may exhibit psychological defense mechanisms, such as prematurely terminating an interview or refusing to cooperate in various ways. If the therapist communicates with the probation officer who referred the client without obtaining proper authorization, it could violate the law and ethical standards that safeguard the client&