The Implementation of an Interpersonal Violence Screening Program in Primary Care Settings: Lessons Learned

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Services Research
• Implementation Science

Background:

• Interpersonal violence (IPV) is a significant public health concern disproportionately impacting women.
• Effective IPV screening in primary care settings enhances survivor disclosure and access to crucial support services.
• Technology-driven interventions like TESSA offer a novel approach to delivering integrated health navigation and safety interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the implementation of the Technology Enhanced Screening and Supportive Assistance (TESSA) program in primary care settings.
• To identify critical factors influencing the successful integration of TESSA using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to guide the evaluation of TESSA implementation.
• Examined 23 salient constructs across CFIR's five domains: intervention characteristics, outer setting, inner setting, characteristics of individuals, and process.
• Analyzed implementation details to understand facilitators and barriers to TESSA adoption.

Main Results:

• Intervention characteristics: Importance of appropriate technology selection (e.g., tablets) and adaptability to clinic electronic medical records.
• Process constructs: Critical role of engaging champions and securing buy-in from clinic stakeholders.
• Outer and Inner Setting constructs: Significance of addressing patient needs, external policies, and strong leadership engagement.

Conclusions:

• The CFIR framework is valuable for understanding implementation factors of programs like TESSA in high-risk populations within primary care.
• Successful TESSA implementation can increase IPV screening rates, improving access to resources for underserved populations.
• This study provides insights into optimizing technology-enhanced interventions for public health issues in clinical settings.