Screening for Intimate Partner Violence: Emergency Physicians’ Experiences in Atlantic Canada September 2016 – May 2018

Abstract BACKGROUND: Intimate partner violence (IPV) results in poorer health outcomes and greater system costs. IPV screening protocols are recommended in emergency departments (EDs) where intervention is critical, yet there is limited literature investigating ED-specific IPV screening health outcomes. This study aims to identify trends in emergency physicians' experiences screening women for IPV and to investigate associated IPV screening outcomes. METHODS: This was a qualitative research design with ethics approval. An emergency physician who had performed at least one IPV screen on a woman of childbearing age presenting to the ED was eligible for interview. Each participant was asked eight predetermined questions addressing their IPV screening experiences with allotted time for discussion. Recorded interviews were transcribed and underwent Braun and Clarke’s six phases of thematic analysis. RESULTS: There are no official IPV screening protocols in place at the investigated hospitals. IPV is often missed and perceived incidence may vary by gender or experience. Allied health professionals are crucial to IPV patient care. Outcomes are predicted to not improve post current interventions. The greatest challenge to IPV management is eliciting disclosure of abuse. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that physicians believe formal ED screening protocols would likely help IPV victims. Unfortunately, there are none currently in place at three EDs in Atlantic Canada. The incidence of patients who present to the ED due to IPV should be determined. The identified population could be analyzed for common features. These features could be used as indicators for formal, evidence-based, IPV screening protocols, which may increase identification of victims