Building a community-wide healthcare response to intimate partner violence

Intimate partner Violence (IPV) is a pressing public health issue. However, IPV is not always recognized as a health issue that can benefit from intervention in healthcare settings. Emerging research demonstrates positive health impacts for IPV victims identified via healthcare settings and referred to services internally or at community agencies. The development of a coordinated response to IPV throughout healthcare systems increases leverage for shared resources, consistent intervention and ultimately, IPV prevention.

Methods: Study setting is a mid-sized Midwestern city. Five healthcare systems, the local health department and the largest community agency providing services to IPV victims partnered to form a consortium.

The Delphi Instrument, a quality assessment tool for hospital-based IPV program evaluation was employed to identify IPV activities at each site. Results were assessed to create objectives for program achievement.

Monthly meetings identified best practices nationally leading to a plan to develop a coordinated community response for IPV victims identified in healthcare systems. In addition, the Partnership Analysis Tool (PAT) was completed by each partner.

Results: The Delphi results for five consortium heathcare settings were: 3.69, 6.45, 6.50, 26.60, and 52.49 out of a possible 100 points. The PAT aggregate score was 78%.

Conclusion:The range of results using a validated assessment tool indicates wide variability of responses to IPV. The Delphi results will be the basis for recommending effective healthcare responses to IPV and promoting more consistent utilization of community resources. The high PAT score indicates that the current partnership is grounded in genuine collaboration.