Domestic violence screening by nurses in the primary care setting

Author

Karen Hetzel, University of Rhode Island

Date of Award

2004

Degree Type

Dissertation

First Advisor

Ginette Ferszt

Abstract

Domestic violence is one of the most important health care issues in the United States. One of every four women is a victim of domestic violence each year and thirty-one percent of women have a lifetime prevalence of domestic violence. Since most women receive their health care in primary care settings, nurses can play a critical role in decreasing the cycle of violence through screening and intervention. Although the research literature on domestic violence is voluminous, little is known about nursing practice related to routine screening of women for domestic violence or intervention in primary care settings. This study examined the impact of an educational program on changes in nursing practice in a pediatric primary care setting. A survey of thirty-five nurses in primary care practices and two focus groups of nurses from diverse practice settings, provided information about the knowledge needed by nurses to effectively screen for domestic violence as well as the barriers to and facilitators for screening and intervention in their settings. Data from the survey and focus groups were used to inform the development of an educational program adapted from two well established domestic violence programs. The program was delivered to nurses in a pediatric primary care practice. Following the educational program the nurses were interviewed to evaluate the effect of the program on changes in nursing practice related to screening for domestic violence and intervening. All five nurses reported the adoption of routine screening for domestic violence in their practice combined with the placement and use of environmental facilitators. As a result of the educational program, the nurses were more knowledgeable about domestic violence, more alert to cues and signs of domestic violence, and better equipped to screen and intervene with their female patients. The environment had become more conducive to screening for domestic violence with identified facilitators in place at the practice. The findings of this research point to the short-term benefits of an educational program on changes in nursing practice in primary care settings related to domestic violence screening. Implications for future research, nursing knowledge development, practice and education were discussed.

Recommended Citation

Hetzel, Karen, "Domestic violence screening by nurses in the primary care setting" (2004). Open Access Dissertations. Paper 1977.
https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/oa_diss/1977