Australian hospital staff perceptions of barriers and enablers of domestic and family violence screening and response

Debra K Creedy,Kathleen Baird,Grace Branjerdporn,Kerri Gillespie

doi:10.1186/s12913-021-07083-y

Debra K Creedy, Kathleen Baird + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-021-07083-y

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Abstract

BackgroundHospital presentations provide unique opportunities to detect DFV. However, up to 70% of women experiencing Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) go undetected by hospital staff. While routine DFV screening is internationally encouraged, there is still much debate surrounding its implementation. The aim of the study was to determine staff perceptions of barriers and enablers of DFV screening and response.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted at a tertiary level public hospital and health service. Health care staff in allied health, maternity and mental health divisions (n = 615) were invited to participate by email and through team meetings. 172 responses were analysed.ResultsLess than a third of respondents reported routinely asking patients about DFV, with 34.9% reporting they did not have sufficient training to assist with DFV. Increased levels of training were positively correlated with screening practices, preparedness and knowledge. Major barriers were presence of partner and language barriers, while written protocols and supportive work environment were the principal enablers of screening.ConclusionStaff generally believed that routine screening was important and should encompass all forms of abuse. Many felt ill-equipped to ask about or manage disclosure of DFV. More training improves staff capacity for DFV detection and response, and written guidelines should be made available to all staff.

Highlights

Hospital presentations provide unique opportunities to detect Domestic and Family Violence (DFV)
Almost a third of hospitalisations due to assault are attributed to DFV, yet it is estimated that up to 70% of women experiencing DFV go undetected by hospital staff [2]
Findings confirm that nursing staff were less prepared or knowledgeable than midwives, social workers, and medical officers to undertake DFV screening and response. These findings suggest that policies, training, and procedures need to be implemented on a whole of organisation basis

Summary

Introduction

Hospital presentations provide unique opportunities to detect DFV. Up to 70% of women experiencing Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) go undetected by hospital staff. In. Australia, one in six women have experienced physical or sexual violence from a current or previous partner, with one woman killed every 9 days [2]. Of women killed by a partner, around 40% were seen by a health care provider in the preceding 12 months [3]. Given these statistics, visits to health care agencies provide unique opportunities to detect risk or existing DFV and provide care, referral, and/or emergency planning for women

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