Intimate partner violence screening during pregnancy: midwives' perspective.

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Public Health
• Sociology

Background:

• Violence during pregnancy poses significant health risks.
• Despite recommendations, domestic violence screening in clinical settings is underutilized.
• Understanding healthcare providers' perspectives is crucial for improving screening implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore midwives' views on the optimal methods for conducting intimate partner violence (IPV) screening during pregnancy.
• To identify factors that facilitate or hinder IPV investigations and disclosure by pregnant women.
• To inform strategies for increasing the clinical application of domestic violence screening.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study employing a hermeneutic phenomenological approach.
• Semi-structured interviews conducted with eleven midwives.
• Verbatim transcription and content analysis of interview data.

Main Results:

• Midwives are perceived as the most suitable professionals for IPV screening due to care continuity.
• Respect for patient privacy and a suitable environment are essential for women's disclosure.
• Screening is best conducted after the initial appointment, with methods tailored to context and individual history.
• Facilitators include trust and rapport; barriers involve time constraints and lack of training.

Conclusions:

• Midwives play a vital role in identifying and supporting pregnant women experiencing domestic violence.
• Effective IPV screening requires sensitive approaches, appropriate timing, and a focus on privacy.
• Addressing barriers and leveraging facilitators can enhance the integration of domestic violence screening into routine antenatal care.