title: An exploration of screening protocols for intimate partner violence in healthcare facilities: a qualitative study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Explore different methods by which intimate partner violence screening practices are implemented in clinic and emergency settings and better understand barriers and facilitators.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Healthcare visits provide an opportunity for providers to identify and provide assistance to victims of intimate partner violence. However, wide variation exists in the implementation of screening and response protocols. In addition, providers experience barriers and facilitators to intimate partner violence screening and response. A comprehensive understanding of these factors is necessary to improve the role that providers play in detection and intervention of intimate partner violence.
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative descriptive research design.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixteen healthcare facilities were recruited from a large metropolitan area in the USA. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews with individuals knowledgeable about intimate partner violence screening and response within their facility. Data were analysed using directive content analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Major themes and patterns concerning intimate partner violence screening and response were identified within the following areas: procedural characteristics, barriers, facilitators and additional needs. Patient-provider communication and operational/facility characteristics emerged as critical aspects that impact the successful implementation of intimate partner violence screening and response programmes. Differences were found between clinic and emergency settings stemming from variations in health delivery models.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results provide important information on how healthcare facilities implement intimate partner violence screening and response, suggestions for practice improvement and directions for future interventions. Additional guidance is needed to ensure intimate partner violence identification, and response procedures are effective and tailored to needs of patients, providers and the facility.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Nurses are in a strategic position to play a pivotal role in identification of and response to intimate partner violence. It is essential that nurses are cognizant of this, and understand the actions they can take to assist patients who have been victims of intimate partner violence. Recommendations on how to do this are provided.
authors: University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies, Coral Gables, FL, USA.
authors: Jessica R
authors: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6105-0296
authors: JR
authors: Williams
authors: University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies, Coral Gables, FL, USA.
authors: Valerie
authors: V
authors: Halstead
authors: University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies, Coral Gables, FL, USA.
authors: Deborah
authors: D
authors: Salani
authors: University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies, Coral Gables, FL, USA.
authors: Natasha
authors: N
authors: Koermer
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006761:Hospitals / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D000066511:Intimate Partner Violence / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D009736:Nursing Process; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011594:Psychometrics; D014481:United States; D014932:Women's Health Services
keywords: barriers; facilitators; intimate partner violence; response; screening