Intimate partner violence screening in emergency department: a rapid review of the literature

Aims and objectives The aim of the review was to identify intimate partner violence screening interventions used in emergency departments and to explore factors affecting intimate partner violence screening in emergency departments.

Background Intimate partner violence against women is now clearly recognised as a global health and societal issue. Nurses working in emergency and urgent care settings can play a crucial role in identification, prevention and management of intimate partner violence. Research exploring optimal methods of intimate partner violence screening and factors affecting intimate partner violence screening in emergency departments are relatively limited.

Design Literature review: Rapid Evidence Synthesis.

Methods Literature published between 2000–2015 was reviewed using the principles of rapid evidence assessment. Six electronic databases: CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Psych Info, the Cochrane Library and Joanna Briggs Library.

Results Twenty-nine empirical studies meeting the eligibility criteria were independently assessed by two authors using appropriate Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Checklists. Intimate partner violence screening in emergency departments is usually performed using electronic, face to face or pen- and paper-based instruments. Routine or universal screening results in higher identification rates of intimate partner violence. Women who screen positive for intimate partner violence in emergency departments are more likely to experience abuse in subsequent months. Factors that facilitate partner violence screening can be classified as healthcare professionals related factors, organisational factors and patient-related factors.

Conclusions Emergency departments provide a unique opportunity for healthcare professionals to screen patients for intimate partner violence. Competence in assessing the needs of the patients appears to be a very significant factor that may affect rates of intimate partner violence disclosure.

Relevance to clinical practice Knowledge of appropriate domestic violence screening methods and factors affecting intimate partner violence screening in emergency can help nurses, and other healthcare professionals provide patient-centred and effective care to victims of abuse attending emergency department.