The Effect of a Short Educational Intimate Partner Violence-related Intervention on Real Case Identification in Slovenian Family Medicine Trainees

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between participation in a short intimate partner violence (IPV) related educational intervention in family medicine trainees and the detection of IPV cases in clinical settings, given that expectations for an active and consistent response by primary health care professionals to patients experiencing the effects of IPV may not match the realities of professional preparation. Study Design: In a multi-centre cross-sectional study, 70 family medicine trainees interviewed every fifth family practice attendee about IPV exposure as part of their specialisation programme. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out from January 15, 2013 and finishing after 30 patients were interviewed or on February 15, whichever was the latest. Methodology: The trainees were divided into two groups; the first was given a short educational intervention while the comparison group was not taught any additional knowledge about IPV dynamics and consequences. The structured case-finding procedure was explained to all trainees. Results: There were no significant differences in gender, age and working period in family medicine between trainees in trained and comparison group. Of 1842 questionnaire sheets analysed (91.3% of collected), in 19.4% cases (n=358) some type of IPV experienced during the surveyed period was found. Patients recruited by each group of trainees did not differ in gender, age, marital status, number of children, residence, level of education and employment status. The trained group found significantly less physical IPV exposure cases (χ2=7.420, P = .006), but not psychological IPV exposure cases (χ2=0.739, P = .390). This could be due to the administered teaching method, which was not tailored to change awareness, attitudes and consultation skills in the trainees. Conclusion: Non-simplified, comprehensive approaches to teaching IPV should be used and integrated fully into medical school curricula, since the IPV prevalence of approximately 19% is threatening and concordant with previous studies in Slovenian family medicine.