The development of an assault patient questionnaire to allow accident and emergency departments to contribute to Crime and Disorder Act local crime audits

Abstract

Objective - To evaluate and refine an assault patient questionnaire to facilitate the contribution of accident and emergency (A and E) departments to Crime and Disorder Act local crime audits. Method - A brief nine item questionnaire was devised in collaboration with the authors of the Home Office British Crime Survey. A prospective sample of 46 consecutive assault patients who attended Cardiff Royal Infirmary A and E department were interviewed by either reception staff or triage nurses. The questionnaire was revised appropriately. Results - The collection of information in A and E departments about the circumtances of violence was straightforward. Questions about motive for violence and about relationships between the injured and their assailants were problematic. Conclusion - The collection of information relevant to Crime and Disorder Act crime audits was possible without extra resource. Receptionists were found to be the most appropriate staff to record information.