CP8 - Evaluation of the Intimate Partner Violence Screening Protocol for Pregnant Women at Near North Health Services Corporation (NNHSC)

Poster Type: Research

Category: A. T. Still University

Research Objectives: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is reported by nearly 1/3 of American women during their lifetimes, therefore, IPV detection and amelioration is crucial. Identifying the protocol that Near North Health Service Corporation employs to uncover and assist victims of IPV in the female, pregnant population, is the topic of this study.

Study Design/Methods: A Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model was used to assess intimate partner violence protocols and readiness (IPV) at the Near North Health Services Corporation (NNHSC). Medical providers who treat female patients over the age of 18 were provided an anonymous survey to assess their screening protocol and readiness for screening patients experiencing IPV. The survey addresses provider specialty, patient population, and provider approach to screening for IPV. Survey responses were compared between the different medical provider specialties.

Principal Findings and Quantitative/Qualitative Results: The population included 23 NNHSC providers who treat child-bearing aged women. 13 surveys were given with 11 responses (84.6% response rate). 9 providers felt IPV screening was important in their practice. Most providers do not have a protocol for IPV screening. 6 providers screen at the initial visit. 8 providers re-screen for IPV only if there is suspicion. 6 physicians do not have a follow-up protocol if patients screen positive. The main resources given are social worker referrals. The main barriers are lack of time and no available screening tools. 8 providers feel they would benefit from IPV screening training.

Conclusions on Impact on Health Centers: While most providers consider IPV screenings important, only 6 of 11 regularly screen their reproductive-aged, female patients at either an initial or follow-up appointment and 3 of 11 respondents did not feel confident where to document their findings in the electronic health record (EHR). We provided NNHSC with a baseline understanding of how their providers screen for IPV. NNHSC can examine their system and decide how to alter their screening protocol in a feasible way for their organization. Another health center could tailor our methodology to study IPV screening within their health center setting.

Author(s):

Huy Ho, OMS-II, A.T. Still School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona

Ginny Kim, OMS-II, A.T. Still School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona

Aveena Pelia, OMS II, A.T. Still School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona

Mohmmad Ahmad, MBA, MS, OMS-II, A.T. Still School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona

Brian Cutler, MHS, OMS-II, A.T. Still School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona

Nicholas Hemsley, OMS 2, A.T. Still School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona

Michela Isono, OMS-II, A.T. Still School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona

Yucheng Liu, MSc, OMS-II, A.T. Still School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona

Shield Olabamiji, MPH, OMS-II, A.T. Still School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona

Shoshannah Rubin, OMS-II, A.T. Still School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona

Casssandra De La Torre, OMS-II, A.T. Still School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona

Kimberly Au, MD, Regional Director of Medical Education, Near North Health Service Corp., A.T. Still School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona

Kate Whelihan, MPH, CPH, COPC and Public Health Research Specialist, Department of Public Health, A T Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine

Joy H. Lewis, DO, PhD, FACP, Professor, Medicine and Public Health Chair, SOMA Dept. of Public Health, A T Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine