Evaluation of project connect training and outcomes in a sample of family planning and public health care providers

Over $4 billion in annual physical and mental health service costs result from intimate partner violence (IPV) in the United States. Many victims of IPV thus visit health care providers, yet only about 10% of providers routinely screen for IPV. Reasons cited include lacking appropriate tools, fear of disclosure, fear of offending patients, lacking appropriate referrals, and endangering patients. Project Connect is a national initiative to change how adolescent health, reproductive health, and home visiting programs identify and respond to sexual and domestic violence. Research suggests that women in these programs are at high risk for abuse, and that evidence-based interventions improve outcomes. This qualitative evaluation research explored outcomes of Project Connect training among Virginia clinic-based and home care providers. Semi-structured focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with trained providers. Questions covered satisfaction with training, knowledge gained, implementation, cultural competency, and barriers to implementation. Thematic analysis of data identified common provider themes. Providers expressed satisfaction with training, and overall screenings were increased. Providers cited ongoing rapport with patients as helpful to implementation, but noted issues with cultural relevance and available intervention resources. Links between providers and community resources were not always adequate for intervention and follow-through.