Book Description

Trauma, including rape and violence against women and children, accounts for the majority of emergency department visits in South Africa, especially over weekends. Doctors, nurses and emergency service providers will find trauma management expanded here beyond medical aspects of wound evaluation, documentation and treatment, to include crucial psychosocial and legal dimensions. This merger of medical, psychosocial and legal responsibilities is often overlooked by healthcare professionals. However, all patients appreciate effective, compassionate crisis intervention and for many the follow up of the potential legal process is important, enhancing closure and healing. Healthcare professionals are uniquely and optimally placed to assist the patient with biopsychosocial and forensic care. Key features: of the book: Provides the latest, accurate information about forensic documentation to take the uncertainty out of dealing with legal issues; Explains how to identify and treat survivors of intimate partner violence comprehensively and compassionately; Discusses the legal obligations on healthcare professionals relating to child abuse and provides understanding of relevant legal responsibilities; Explains how to proceed at the scene of death to enable the healthcare professional to fully understand her/his role, including the correct completion of the Death Notification Form.