Articles: interviews.
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This study aimed to review published papers which use qualitative interviewing in general practice as their methodology. To look specifically at the detail of how the methodology is presented to the reader, with particular emphasis on the clarity of detail about recruitment, the relationship of the interviewer to the respondents, the setting and how the research was presented to the respondents. ⋯ Published papers using qualitative interviewing in general practice often lack explicit methodological detail about the relationship between the interviewer and the respondents, the setting, who did the recruiting and how the research was explained to the respondents. This methodological detail is important for the critical appraisal of qualitative research, where the context of the research can influence the data.
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Over two-thirds of clients in family therapy clinics engage in some form of physical violence against their partners within the year prior to the initiation of therapy. However, family therapists are aware of only a small proportion of these cases. ⋯ We then review various methods to screen for the presence of physical violence, especially the Conflict Tactics Scales. Finally, indicators of life-threatening violence are presented to help family therapists detect cases that require immediate intervention to protect the partner whose life may be in danger.
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Because physicians are often the first professionals to have contact with a sexually abused child, they must be alert to the symptoms and prepared to respond knowledgeably. Early and effective intervention affects the overall prognosis for the child and family positively. As physicians become aware of child sexual abuse, protocols can be used routinely as part of a child's medical care. Regular checks on potentially abusive situations can prevent the tragic and traumatic occurrence of child sexual abuse.
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Clearly, there are numerous troubling variations in the medical diagnosis of child sexual abuse. These variations include delays in disclosure; rapid healing; maturational changes; variations in normal congenital findings; the technique of the examiner; patient position, relaxation, and cooperation; and additional medical conditions that mimic abuse. ⋯ Emphasis on the child's history in documenting the abuse is increasing. As physicians, we must develop interviewing techniques that will assist in child protection, and we must listen and believe the comments made by our patients.