Improving the Screening of Intimate Partner Violence Among Women: A Quality Improvement Project in a Primary Care Setting

Author Biographical Info

Obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of West Georgia, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center.

Obtained a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology at the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, and currently pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice at the University of Texas Health Science Center Houston.

Date of Doctor of Nursing Practice Project Completion

Summer 8-10-2026

Faculty Advisor

Kathleen Siders

Abstract

PURPOSE The purpose of this project was to improve the screening rate and the detection of positive screens for intimate partner violence among women by 50% over three months at UT Physicians International District, Houston, Texas, by developing a process that will enhance the safety of victims.

BACKGROUND Intimate partner violence is a significant social problem affecting women and minorities in the United States. However, many patients are not screened due to a lack of staff training, fear of patient reactions, reluctance to disclose, and absence of effective screening methods. This project employs the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle to test and enhance IPV screening processes. The project was implemented with a clinical staff of 25 people at a primary care clinic.

METHODOLOGY The project involves educating healthcare staff using a targeted presentation, adopting the HARK screening tool in the patient intake processes, and incorporating these procedures in the EHR system. The screening results are calculated before and after the intervention to determine the effectiveness of the changes.

RESULTS Post-intervention data showed an increase from a baseline of 25% to 77% in screening rates. Pre-education and post-education surveys indicated significant improvement in the staff's ability to handle IPV cases, with the majority being able to name two indicators of IPV and accurately reflect the clinic’s screening policy.

IMPLICATIONS: By effectively identifying and addressing barriers to IPV screening, this project aims to enhance patient safety and support within the clinic and serves as a model for similar interventions in other healthcare settings, potentially leading to widespread improvements in IPV management.

The project successfully enhanced IPV screening rates and staff competency in IPV management. The methods used in the study can be adapted and implemented in other UT Healthcare systems struggling with IPV screening and management. Future quality improvement projects should focus on detecting positive screens to improve patient safety.

Keywords

Intimate Partner Violence, Domestic Violence, Primary care screening of Intimate Partner Violence, Improving IPV Screening, Quality improvement, domestic abuse in primary care settings.

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