Emergency clinicians’ perceived self-efficacy in the care of intoxicated women victims of violence

Background: Previous research has identified perceived self-efficacy to be a vital component of clinicians’ positive attitudes towards caring for intoxicated patients and women who have been assaulted. To date, little is known about the perceived self-efficacy and influences among emergency clinicians towards intoxicated women victims of violence. Method: Using mixed methods, 179 emergency clinicians were surveyed and 22 emergency clinicians were interviewed in South Australia about their education/training, their awareness and use of best practice guidelines and tools, and their perceived self-efficacy toward treating intoxicated women victims of violence. Findings: There were statistically significant relationships between use of best practice tools (n = 32) and knowledge (χ² = 6.52; p =.02) and confidence (χ² = 6.52; p =.02) treating women victims of violence. There were also statistically significant relationships between previous alcohol and other drug education/training and knowledge (n = 43), skills and confidence treating both intoxicated patients (χ² = 7.85; p =.01) and women victims of violence (χ² = 11.63; p <.01). The interviews identified four themes about confidence, knowledge and use of research evidence, education and training, and resources. Conclusion: Emergency clinicians reported low levels of perceived self-efficacy, and infrequent use of guidelines and tools to support the care of intoxicated women victims of violence. Participants wanted more knowledge and education/training in caring for intoxicated women who have been assaulted, as they felt lacking in these skills.