Why physicians and nurses ask (or don't) about partner violence: a qualitative analysis

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Healthcare Professional Education
• Sociology

Background:

• Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health concern with severe health consequences for women.
• Understanding healthcare providers' experiences with IPV inquiry is vital for improving patient care and safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore physicians' and nurses' experiences, both professional and personal, when inquiring about IPV.
• To identify variations in these experiences based on professional discipline.
• To determine implications for clinical practice, workplace policies, and curriculum development.

Main Methods:

• A mailed survey was administered to randomly selected physicians and nurses in Ontario, Canada.
• The survey included open-ended questions analyzed using inductive content analysis.
• Statistical analysis, including Fisher's Exact Test, was used to compare nurse and physician responses.

Main Results:

• Lack of time, patient behaviors, insufficient training, cultural factors, and partner presence were identified as key barriers to IPV inquiry.
• Training, community resources, and professional protocols were reported as facilitators.
• Nurses, more than physicians, expressed a need for additional training, highlighting discipline-specific differences in barriers and facilitators.

Conclusions:

• Physicians and nurses require enhanced support, including improved work environments, training, mentorship, and resources, to effectively address IPV.
• Persistent barriers to IPV inquiry necessitate multifaceted, intersectoral approaches addressing individual, workplace, and systemic issues.
• Comprehensive frameworks are needed to further investigate the complexities of IPV inquiry and its associated challenges.