Abstract
BackgroundMany physicians do not routinely inquire about intimate partner violence.PurposeThis qualitative study explores the process of academic detailing as an intervention to change physician behavior with regard to intimate partner violence (IPV) identification and documentation.MethodA non-physician academic detailer provided a seven-session modular curriculum over a two-and-a-half month period. The detailer noted written details of each training session. Audiotapes of training sessions and semi-structured exit interviews with each physician were recorded and transcribed. Transcriptions were qualitatively and thematically coded and analyzed using Atlas ti®.ResultsAll three study physicians reported increased clarity with regard to the scope of their responsibility to their patients experiencing IPV. They also reported increased levels of comfort in the effective identification and appropriate documentation of IPV and the provision of ongoing support to the patient, including referrals to specialized community services.ConclusionAcademic detailing, if presented by a supportive and knowledgeable academic detailer, shows promise to improve physician attitudes and practices with regards to patients in violent relationships.
Highlights
Many physicians do not routinely inquire about intimate partner violence.Purpose: This qualitative study explores the process of academic detailing as an intervention to change physician behavior with regard to intimate partner violence (IPV) identification and documentation
We previously reported that this pilot intervention improved physician behavior
We explored the process of academic detailing for IPV including the physicians’ reported experience
Summary
Many physicians do not routinely inquire about intimate partner violence. Purpose: This qualitative study explores the process of academic detailing as an intervention to change physician behavior with regard to intimate partner violence (IPV) identification and documentation. Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pattern of controlling behaviors against a current or former intimate partner. The motive is control or intimidation of the partner or harm to the partner. Over 15 years ago, the American Medical Association (AMA) first recommended universal screening for IPV. Declaring the epidemic of family violence as “sufficiently prevalent to justify routine screening of all women patients,” the AMA officially endorsed active physician involvement [1,2]. As inquiry for IPV became more routine, identification rates increased to as high as 30% among some populations [3]. IPV is present across all demographic groups including healthcare providers [4]
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