Recorded presentation

Maureen Gavin Leffler, MPH¹, Elizabeth M. Datner, MD², and Frances S Shofer, PhD². (1) Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, 8427 Germantown Avenue, Rear Apartment, Philadelphia, PA 19118, (215) 247-7275, mogavin@hotmail.com, (2) Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA 19104

Objective: The objective of this study is to determine if female DV victims would consent and receive follow up telephone calls.

Methods: All women, 18-65 yrs seen in an urban ED between Oct and May 2003 were screened for DV. Those who admitted current or recent (within 6 mos) DV were included. After initial interviews, trained research assistants (RAs) asked pts to participate in follow up telephone interviews. Safety of receiving phone calls was addressed as part of enrollment procedures. Participants were offered incentives. RAs attempted to call subjects for 2 contacts.

Results: 3.6%(156/4381) of screened women experienced current or recent DV. 86.6%(129/156) consented to participate, 13.4%(20) refused, and 7 were missed. There were no significant differences between those who consented and refused. 109 of 129 (84.5%; 95% CI, 75-87%) of included women agreed to phone follow up. 44.2% of consenting participants were successfully reached for initial contact. The mean time between ED visit and initial follow up was 9 wks 5 d. Of women not reached, 39.6%(21) were unable to be contacted after at least 5 calls, 26.4% (14) had phones disconnected, 15.1%(8) were not available at the number initially provided, 7.5%(4) refused once they were reached, and 1 pt stated the survey was no longer applicable.

Conclusions: The great majority of female victims of DV are willing to receive telephone follow up, despite the potential risks involved. Providing this follow up may be feasible to improve referrals and utilization of resources.

Learning Objectives:

• At the end of this session, participants will appreciate the feasibility of providing telephone follow-up support to victims of domestic violence.

Keywords: Domestic Violence,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation