Date of Award

2023

Document Type

Project

College/School

College of Nursing

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Project Mentor

Kristen M. Swanson

Readers

Jonnae Tillman

Abstract

Purpose: (1) To identify barriers to screening for intimate partner violence (IPV) within the primary care setting, (2) to determine if formal adoption of an IPV screening policy is warranted and, (3) provide recommendations regarding agency wide IPV screening policy. Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is estimated to have globally increased IPV rates by 25%-33%. A positive history of IPV has been shown to be associated with poorer long-term health outcomes. Health care providers (HCPs) are often the first person to potentially screen a survivor of IPV. Methods: Participants recruitment occurred through the project sites internal communication network (e-mail). Participants were employed within a primary care network as an MA, RN, MD, DO, NP or PA. Participants were emailed access to an anonymous survey consisting of; the consent form, the survey tool (The Domestic Violence Healthcare Provider Survey [DVHCPS]), and a question regarding their job title. Four of the original six subscales of the DVHCPS were included: provider perceived efficacy, system support, role resistance/ fear of offending the patient, and frequency of IPV inquiry. Results: Sixteen people responded; 15 had complete. While all participants perceived they had efficacy in screening (M= 22.38; range 16 to 28), no subgroup strongly agreed. Respondents did not feel significantly supported by current systems. Prescribing providers felt the least supported (M = 5.75; range of 3-10) and MAs felt the most supported (M = 9.66; range 7 to 12). Prescribing providers were found to be the least confident in referral practice for perpetrators (M = 2.75; range 2 to 4) and survivors (M = 3.25; range 2 to 4) of IPV. Most agreed it was within their role to screen for IPV. However, respondents were unlikely to screen for IPV (M= 9.93; range 6 to 15). Conclusion: MAs can conduct routine IPV screen, similar to the clinical data collected as part of standard duties. Improving the training for screening and referrals and developing IPV resources for HCPs may increase screening rates.

Download

Share

COinS