Nonfatal Strangulation Injuries: Improving Physician Knowledge and Attitudes.

This article focuses on improving emergency department physicians' knowledge and comfort in evaluating and managing patients who have experienced nonfatal strangulation related to sexual assault and intimate partner violence. A brief, 15-minute educational intervention delivered to physicians in four south-central Indiana emergency departments significantly increased their confidence, awareness of imaging recommendations, and clinical decision-making, as evidenced by improved survey responses and clinical vignette scores. The study highlights existing knowledge gaps and the lack of standardized imaging guidelines for nonfatal strangulation injuries, emphasizing the importance of trauma-informed care and accurate documentation due to both medical and legal implications. Despite limitations such as a small sample size and limited diversity, the intervention's ease of implementation suggests potential for broader use in emergency settings to enhance care for this vulnerable patient population.