Training Health Care Providers as First Responders to Victims of Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) has been declared a public health epidemic. Initial and annual training of healthcare providers regarding guidelines for identification and response to intimate partner violence has been mandated by the Joint Commission and endorsed by the Institute of Medicine. However, many providers/institutions lack the preparation necessary to implement such guidelines. The purpose of the feasibility study was to test the efficacy of an existing IPV training curriculum on participants’ perception of knowledge, cultural competence, confidence (self-efficacy), and attitudes related to identifying and responding to victims of IPV. A sample of convenience including twenty-three registered nurse home-visitors and one social work intern participated in the mandatory one-day training program. However, consent to enroll in the study was voluntary and indicated by completing the study instruments. Participants were asked to complete three evaluative measures: The 11-item Plunkett Demographic Questionnaire (pre-training), a 15-item Training Program Evaluation (post-training), and the 21-item Instructional Measurement Subscales across three time points (pre-Training, post-Training, and six weeks follow-up). All items were numerically coded so the higher the score, the more favorable the response. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (percentages; minimum-maximum, mean, and composite scores; standard deviations; repeated measures analysis of variance; and, paired samples dependent t tests). Four hypothesis statements were made regarding participation in the training program on IPV: “There will be an overall increase in healthcare providers’ perceived level of knowledge and cultural competence,” (hypothesis 1); “There will be an overall increase in healthcare providers’ perceived level of confidence in implementing routine enquiry,” (hypothesis 2); “There will be an overall positive change in healthcare providers’ attitudes towards routine enquiry,” (hypothesis 3); and, “There will be an overall positive change in healthcare providers’ attitudes towards victims of abuse following participation in Improving the Health Care Response to Domestic Violence,” (hypothesis 4). Findings supported previous research outcomes that presently recognized barriers to routine screening/ assessment for IPV can be overcome and positive changes can persist over time as a result of participation in a standard IPV training program. Future research involving larger, random sample populations, are needed to confirm these results.