Anne Jamaludin
Monash University, Malaysia
Title: Qualitative study: Identification of Non-accidental injuries by Medical Professionals at the Emergency and Trauma Department
Biography
Biography: Anne Jamaludin
Abstract
It is well established that accidental and non-accidental injuries are a major public health problem globally. Not only do they affect individuals, injuries affect families, the community, government and internationally as well. Injuries span throughout childhood and into adulthood. Purpose of this study is to identify what are the difficulties and challenges in identifying and reporting NAI at the emergency (ETD) and trauma department in Malaysian hospitals.
Thirty in-depth interviews were conducted at the ETD in three major hospitals in the Klang Valley, Malaysia which consists of specialists, medical officers, nurses and medical assistants.
Low rate of NAI cases (2.7%) identified proved that there is significant gap identified in medical professionals’ knowledge and skills related to understanding, identifying and detecting NAI, particularly among medical officers who are in charge of diagnosis and reports in the hospital. Those who had previous experience or encounters in dealing with NAI cases would have higher suspicion index compared to those who haven’t. Other medical professionals such as nurses and medical assistants although do not have the mandate to diagnose or report of NAI cases, needed to have the basic knowledge and awareness and play more active role in their respective settings.