FEATURE


Provide Effective Training An ASC’s staff should receive training and education on requirements and standards, as well as the ASC’s policies and procedures concerning domestic violence, Wells says. “ASCs should develop criteria to identify patients who may be victims of domestic violence. The education provided should discuss these


criteria and describe the key


elements in an abuse assessment and the recommendations for follow-up, both internally and externally. Staff should receive this training on hire and then annually thereafter.” Kizirian says ASCs should make sure training addresses the differ- ent age groups of patients seen in the facility. “You need to be thinking about people in different phases of life, such as children and elders. Identify what abuse might look like for those differ- ent patient populations and incorpo- rate that into your training.” Training is especially important for


staff members who are uncomfortable having discussions about domestic violence, Stair says. “As a health care professional, it is important to become comfortable. To help those individu- als, consider doing role playing or sce- nario-based training.”


Additional Resources


Futures Without Violence: www.futureswithoutviolence.org


Academy on Violence and Abuse: www.avahealth.org


Professional societies, like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: www.acog.org


Cosmetic and reconstructive surgery societies


Domestic violence advocacy centers


ASC FOCUS OCTOBER 2015 21 Be Prepared


Helping victims of domestic violence begins with understanding what the statistics reveal, Ettinger says. “Any- one can be a victim. Appreciate the impact domestic violence likely has on your patient populations.”


The identification of a possible victim of domestic violence can take place in any area in the ASC, Wells says. “Injuries may be seen on a patient’s body in the preop, operative or postop area. Partners could make threats against patients in the waiting


If you are accredited, there are standards relating to domestic violence your ASC will be expected to meet.”


—Susan Kizirian, Kizirian Health Care Consulting


area. When possible patient victims are identified, they should be brought to a private area for a conversation.” Kizirian advises ASC staff to ask patients simple, direct questions. “These can include: Are you in a relationship where you


are being


hurt or threatened? Do you feel safe at home? It is really important to be non-judgmental when you ask questions and listen to the responses because that begins to help with the healing process.” If a staff member believes a patient is a victim of domestic violence, Kizirian says it is best for a member of the lead- ership team to speak with the patient. “Staff should let their supervisor or medical director know so the person per- forming the evaluation has advanced training in evaluation and documentation.” It is imperative for an ASC to have a plan in place in the event patients acknowledge they are victims of domes- tic violence, Ettinger says. This should include helping identify a safe place to


FOR SALE: FREE-STANDING MULTI-SPECIALTY SURGERY CENTER IN WOOD DALE, ILLINOIS.


Free standing, 3,800–4,000 sqft medical office with ample parking


State-licensed ASC has one operating room and one smaller operating room.


Asking $4.75 million, not including real estate. Serious inquiries only.


Reply to administration@gmail.com and/or vg1028@aol.com or fax: 847.398.4585.


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