Women’s Experiences of Being Screened for Intimate Partner Violence in the Health Care Setting

To qualitatively describe experiences of survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) in being screened for IPV and to identify opportunities to improve screening and response by health care providers. Qualitative descriptive study. Although it is recommended that nurses and other health care providers screen for IPV, a local needs assessment of IPV screening among health care practices in Houston, Texas, showed inconsistencies in IPV screening practices, a lack of understanding on how to screen for IPV, and low referral rates to IPV agencies. Seventeen survivors of IPV from three agencies that provide services to survivors of IPV. Three focus groups were conducted, and notes were coded and analyzed for content and themes using open coding from the observed data. The constant comparative method was used for the analysis. Four themes emerged from the focus group data. The first three themes address concepts and dynamics of IPV that affect IPV screening and disclosure of abuse. The final theme addresses screening for IPV in health care settings. Many survivors reported that they were not screened for IPV by health care professionals, and those who were screened were not screened effectively. Compassionate care is needed in these situations, and nurses and other health care providers should be aware that the responses of IPV survivors are dynamic and may change over time. Following best practices when screening women for intimate partner violence in the health care setting can enhance disclosure of abuse and timely referral to services.