Over the course of my professional practice, I have encountered two patients who had been victims of abuse. Both of them were females of about 37 years of age, and both had signs of physical abuse. The assessment skills I used to evaluate their physical and mental condition included observation and inspection. I have detected multiple bruises, welts, and cuts during our regular examinations. When I carefully asked about these injuries, both patients demonstrated a sudden change in behavior and either became silent or annoyed. One patient avoided answering my questions, and another one gave vague or implausible explanations.
As a health professional, I knew I should be sensitive while discussing these issues and my suspicions of abuse with patients. I started by offering treatment and recommendations based on the patient’s immediate symptoms and injuries. I have also assured them that any discussions of their traumatic experiences will be confidential (American Medical Association, 2016). While examining the patients and administering their medications, I talked to them about daily routines, such as their jobs, housework, families, and general well-being. Gradually, the patients managed to become more open and could tell me about some of the problems they had in relationships with their partners. I was very considerate and did not ask too many questions so that not to make them feel uncomfortable. I then tried to raise the patients’ awareness about the need to assess all the injuries and administer the required treatment (American Medical Association, 2016). Finally, when the patients felt comfortable enough to talk openly about their experiences, I discussed the options and requirements to report abuse. I obtained their consent to report and ensured that their privacy is not disclosed, with only the minimum necessary information being used.
Reference
American Medical Association. (2016). Preventing, identifying & treating violence & abuse.