A practice-centered intervention to increase screening for domestic violence in primary care practices

2006

Increasing Domestic Violence Screening in Primary Care

Sample size: 15 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Bonds Denise E, Ellis Shellie D, Weeks Erin, Palla Shana L, Lichstein Peter

Primary Institution: Wake Forest University School of Medicine

Hypothesis

A practice-centered intervention that is sensitive to the particular needs of the practice may be more successful in implementing change in screening for domestic violence.

Conclusion

An intervention that allowed practices to tailor certain aspects to fit their needs increased screening for domestic violence.

Supporting Evidence

Seventeen practices were recruited and fifteen completed the study.
Baseline screening for domestic violence was 16%, which increased to 26% after the intervention.
Female patients were 79% more likely to have been screened after the intervention.

Takeaway

Doctors can do a better job of asking patients about domestic violence if they get special training that fits their clinic's needs.

Methodology

A multifaceted intervention was conducted among primary care practices, including training and customized screening methods, evaluated through pre/post telephone surveys of female patients.