Medicolegal issues in acute care

Question 1

Severity of wound and sentencing

Answer 1

Question 2

Documentation of injuries

Answer 2

Question 3

Types of traumatic wounds

Answer 3

Question 4

Special injuries types

Answer 4

Question 5

Domestic violence

Management

Answer 5

1. Diagnose and treat primary physical injuries
2. Evaluate other forms of abuse e.g. sexual abuse, psychological abuse
3. Evaluate emotional state e.g. PTDS, Psychosomatic complaints, Depression, Suicidal thoughts, Homicidal thoughts
4. Assess victim’s coping mechanisms
5. Disposal: Discharge vs Admission
6. Safety issues
   Event of injury: How violent, escalation, weapon
   Adequate support of victim
   Batterer: Substance abuse, Personality disorder
   Are the children safe
   Any emergency plan
   The victim may need a shelter/ refuge if unsafe to go home

Referral
- ALL patients seen at ED should be referred to MSW unless she is known to social service
- Consent needed for MSW to contact her
- Clinics w/o MSW, refer to Family and Child Protective Service Unit