Leading the Way: Implementing a Domestic Violence Assessment Pilot Project by Public Health Nurses

Area of Science:

• Nursing Leadership
• Public Health
• Domestic Violence Intervention

Background:

• Healthcare systems necessitate nursing innovation and leadership for optimal patient outcomes.
• Public health nurses (PHNs) are pivotal in enhancing client health through leadership and advocacy.
• Domestic violence (DV) is a significant public health concern requiring a coordinated, preventative approach by PHNs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the process of PHNs leading the development and implementation of a pilot project addressing DV.
• To establish a foundation for guiding PHNs in advocating for a proactive approach to DV interventions.
• To serve as a model for nursing leadership in driving practice change.

Main Methods:

• Formation of a working group by frontline PHNs.
• Development and implementation of a pilot DV assessment project.
• Focus on shifting DV interventions from reactive to proactive strategies.

Main Results:

• Established a working group to guide DV intervention strategies.
• Successfully implemented a pilot DV assessment project.
• Reinforced the role of PHNs in advocating for proactive DV care.

Conclusions:

• PHNs can effectively lead practice innovations to address public health issues like DV.
• A proactive approach to DV assessment and intervention is achievable through nursing leadership.
• This pilot project serves as a model and motivator for nurses to lead change.