Referral Pathway to Domestic Violence and Abuse Agency for patients in Healthcare - Scoping review.

Abstract

Background: Domestic violence and abuse (DVA) present significant public health and medical challenges globally, leading to severe morbidity and disability among women. Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in identifying and referring DVA victims to appropriate services. Despite this, research on effective DVA referral pathways remains limited, highlighting a critical gap in healthcare systems. Aims: This study examines referral pathways for DVA patients within healthcare settings, focusing on the role of healthcare practitioners. The study aims to establish effective referral and care pathways by identifying best practices and emphasizing ongoing professional training to enhance detection rates and improve referrals to specialized care. This approach may reduce future violence and enhance the well-being of victims. Methods: A scoping review was conducted, involving an electronic search of databases such as EMBASE, Web of Science, MEDLINE, and CINAHL, covering literature from June 2010 to January 2023. The review specifically targeted studies related to healthcare practitioners' roles in DVA referrals. Results: Out of 214 articles screened, 40 studies met the inclusion criteria and were critically appraised for quality. These studies, which include both qualitative and heterogeneous research, underscore the importance of effective DVA referral pathways in healthcare. They also highlight the need for more research on cultural sensitivity, under-explored medical areas, and the improvement of support systems for DVA victims. Conclusion: The findings emphasize the need for ongoing professional training, empathy, and collaboration among healthcare providers, agencies, and support organizations to foster a comprehensive global response to DVA. Current research often focuses on individual components of the referral process, such as screening tools or initial referral steps, rather than examining the entire pathway.