Practitioners’ Knowledge and Understanding of Acquired Brain Injury in the Context of Intimate Partner Violence in New Zealand

Date
2021
Authors
Durrant, Magdalena
Supervisor
Theadom, Alice
O’Donovan, Claire
Item type
Dissertation
Degree name
Bachelor of Health Science (Honours)
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Publisher
Auckland University of Technology
Abstract

Clinicians working in domestic violence organisations are well placed to play a pivotal role in identifying interpersonal violence (IPV) related brain injury and providing education and referral to medical services. However, little research has been conducted on how clinicians working in this context understand brain injury and see their role in its recognition and management. This qualitative study explored clinicians’ understanding of acquired brain injury (ABI), including identifying service gaps observed within their roles working with IPV survivors. The data collected was from two focus groups and three individual interviews, a total of N= 21 participants. Participants included counsellors, social workers, allied health professionals, and students working across four agencies supporting people affected by IPV. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using Thematic Analysis. Four overarching themes were identified. Firstly, practitioners highlighted a wide range of issues that affected how potential ABIs could be identified in their practice. Secondly, the practitioners were not clear on what their role was in the identification and management of ABI in this population. Thirdly, certain gaps in services and referral pathways were identified, resulting in practitioners feeling unclear about how they could assist someone who presented with a possible ABI. Lastly, the practitioners expressed a desire to know more about ABI and how they could support people better in their services.

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