New Joint Commission ‘Quick Safety’ advisory addresses intimate partner violence

By Carol Davis

The Joint Commission has released a new Quick Safety advisory to address intimate partner violence (IPV), which has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to healthcare providers.

The new advisory, titled “Addressing intimate partner violence and helping protect patients,” provides Joint Commission requirements and national recommendations to identify and help patients who have experienced IPV.

IPV refers to “behavior by an intimate partner or ex-partner that causes physical, sexual, or psychological harm, including physical aggression, sexual coercion, psychological abuse, and controlling behaviors,” according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

With their position on the frontlines of healthcare, nurses are perfectly positioned to identify patients who may be victims of IPV.

In 2004, The Joint Commission issued Standard PC 01.02.09 that requires organizations to use written criteria to identify those patients who may be victims of physical assault, sexual assault, sexual molestation, domestic abuse, or elder or child abuse and neglect. It also requires providers to report cases of possible abuse and neglect to external agencies in accordance with laws and regulations.

However, with the rise in telehealth, healthcare providers may need to rethink how to address IPV during telehealth visits, according to the Quick Safety advisory.

“While there are disadvantages associated with telehealth, one advantage  is that it may provide the opportunity for survivors to receive evidence-based safety information and psychotherapy via Zoom or telephone calls,” it reads.

“Also, the ability to connect via telehealth may reduce IPV-associated barriers like isolation as well as lack of transportation which leads to delayed medical care,” the advisory says.

“The pandemic has increased stressors at home as many have had to isolate,” says Ana Pujols McKee, MD, executive vice president, chief medical officer, and chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer, The Joint Commission. “It is important that clinicians conducting telehealth visits be alert to signs of intimate partner violence and inquire about this after ensuring the patient is in a safe space to talk.”

The Quick Safety advisory also provides safety actions for healthcare organizations to consider, such as:

• Partnering with a local domestic violence provider to engage in training or training resources.
• Providing training on the basics of how to identify IPV to all employees who interact with patients, not just to licensed healthcare providers.
• Examining whether current screening questions are specific enough and providers are asking questions as indicated within their organization’s written policies.
• Relying on interpreters rather than family members or escorts when evaluating non-English speaking patients.

Carol Davis is the Nursing Editor at HealthLeaders, an HCPro brand. This story first appeared on HealthLeaders Media.