Photograph
Photographs can convey the severity of injuries much more
effectively than verbal description and, whenever possible,
photographs should be taken of all patients with visible injuries.
This will not be possible for many general practitioners and, if
this is the case, advise the patient to have photographs taken
elsewhere
- Explain to the patient that photographs will be very useful as
evidence if she decides to prosecute the abuser now or in the
future.
- Explain to the patient that photographs will become part of the
patient's medical record and, as such, can only be released with
the patient's permission.
- Obtain written consent from patient to take photographs.
(Written informed consent should include the statement, "These
photographs will only be released if and when the undersigned gives
written permission to release the medical records.").
- Use a good Polaroid camera with colour film flash bulbs.
- Photograph in brightest light possible.
- Attempt to take close-up of injury but try to include an
identifiable feature of the patient. If this is not possible, a
long shot should be followed by a close-up.
- The photographer should sign and date the back each
photograph.
- Place photographs in a sealed envelope and attach securely to
the patient's record. Mark the envelope with the date and the
notation "Photographs of patient’s injuries".
- Bruising is often more obvious two or three days after the
injury. If this is likely to be the case, the patient should be
advised to return at a later date, or to have more photographs
taken elsewhere (for example, at the police station).