The work of forensic physicians with police detainees in the Canberra City Watchhouse

Sturgiss, Elizabeth; Parekh, Vanita

doi:10.1016/j.jflm.2010.11.014

Cited by 8 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 9 publications

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“…Of the limited research that does exist, it is evident that watch-houses have varying structures and processes underpinning healthcare approaches, and transfer to the ED is common. 2,[10][11][12] Although it has been estimated that people brought in by police (inclusive of watch-house transfers) account for less than 1% of Australian ED presentations, 3,13 this population warrants attention as it is highly vulnerable, complex, and reliant on police services for access to care. 2,4 Some research on the provision of healthcare in short-term custody settings has been completed internationally, 11,12,14,15 but there is a paucity of information about the management of detainees once transferred to the ED.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Unlike for prisons, 6–9 there is little public information on healthcare needs or healthcare provision in watch‐houses. Of the limited research that does exist, it is evident that watch‐houses have varying structures and processes underpinning healthcare approaches, and transfer to the ED is common 2,10–12 . Although it has been estimated that people brought in by police (inclusive of watch‐house transfers) account for less than 1% of Australian ED presentations, 3,13 this population warrants attention as it is highly vulnerable, complex, and reliant on police services for access to care 2,4 …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Supporting equitable care of patients transferred from police watch‐houses to the emergency department: A qualitative study of the perspectives of emergency doctors

Brandenburg,

Thomas,

Lincoln

et al. 2024

Emerg Medicine Australasia

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ObjectivePeople detained in short‐term police custody often have complex health conditions that may necessitate emergency care, yet little is known about their management in EDs. The present study aimed to understand ED doctors' experiences and perceptions regarding the appropriateness and management of detainee transfers from police watch‐houses to the EDs.MethodsA qualitative descriptive study, using semi‐structured interviews undertaken with ED doctors working in five purposively sampled EDs across Queensland, Australia. Data were analysed using inductive content analysis.ResultsFifteen ED specialists and trainees participated. Participants reported that their overarching approach was to provide equitable care for watch‐house detainees, as they would for any patient. This equitable approach needed to be responsive to complicating factors common to this population, including presence of police guards; restraints; complexity (physical/mental/social) of presentation; reliance on police to transport; ED doctors' often limited understanding of the watch‐house environment; justice processes and uncertain legal disposition; communication with the watch‐house; and detainees misreporting symptoms. Thresholds for assessment and treatment of detainees were contextualised to the needs of the patient, ED environment, and imperatives of other relevant agencies (e.g. police). Participants often relied on existing strategies to deliver quality care despite challenges, but also identified a need for additional strategies, including education for ED staff; improved communication with watch‐houses; standardised paperwork; extended models of watch‐house healthcare; and integrated medical records.ConclusionsProviding equitable healthcare to patients transported from watch‐houses to the EDs is challenging but essential. Numerous opportunities exist to enhance the delivery of optimal care for this underserved population.

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