Addressing Intimate Partner Violence: Reducing Barriers and Improving Residents' Attitudes, Knowledge, and Practices

Objective This study aims to assess residents' attitudes, knowledge, practices, and barriers in addressing intimate partner violence and create a curriculum targeting self-identified deficits. Methods The authors developed and distributed a survey to residents across multiple specialties at a large academic institution. A workshop was developed using obstetrics/gynecology residents' data, with post-intervention data collected to assess for changes. Results One hundred forty-seven residents (41 %) completed the survey. Though all identified assessing intimate partner violence as physicians' responsibility, only 40 % reported consistent screening with new female patients, 36 % with pregnant patients, and 18 % with post-partum patients. Half reported inadequate training and felt unprepared to counsel patients regarding intimate partner violence. Post-intervention data suggest gains in knowledge and perceived preparedness. Conclusions Although residents appreciate the significance of intimate partner violence assessment, in this particular institution few consistently perform or feel comfortable screening. Development of comprehensive intimate partner violence curricula is therefore critical.