Primary care-based interventions for intimate partner violence: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Clinical Medicine
• Social Sciences

Background:

• Primary care providers are crucial for addressing intimate partner violence (IPV) disclosures.
• A systematic synthesis of primary care-based IPV interventions is needed for effective implementation.
• This review focuses on interventions delivered within primary care settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize research on primary care-based interventions for patients experiencing IPV.
• To identify the effectiveness and common components of these interventions.
• To inform providers, policymakers, and researchers on best practices.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature search of PubMed, PsycINFO, and CINAHL up to September 2012.
• Inclusion of English-language, peer-reviewed articles assessing patient-level impact of primary care IPV interventions.
• Augmented search strategy included bibliographic review and expert consultation.

Main Results:

• Seventeen studies met eligibility criteria, primarily recruiting women from reproductive health sites.
• Interventions were typically brief, non-physician delivered, focusing on empowerment, safety, and referrals.
• Positive outcomes included reduced future violence, increased safety behaviors, and enhanced resource utilization.

Conclusions:

• Primary care-based IPV interventions demonstrate significant patient-level benefits.
• Referrals to community resources represent the most consistently positive outcome.
• Evidence supports the integration of IPV interventions into primary care settings.