The team aimed to routinely screen eligible mothers/female carers for domestic violence (DV) at the Children’s Ward at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
Utilising improvement science, drivers for practice improvement were identified. The program has three essential elements:
- Education – ongoing education
- Screening - routine screening on the Children's Ward
- Response Pathway - social work intervention and/or legal response through the Health Justice Partnership.
In the first 46 weeks, 557 screens were completed. There were 22 disclosures of DV - a rate of 4%. All were offered support and free legal advice through the Health Justice Partnership. This has been a valuable program that improves patient safety and facilitates access to specialist support.