Novice Nurse Intimate Partner Violence Education Through the Use of a Standardized Patient Experience: A Quality Improvement Project

Abstract

Problem Statement: Patients experiencing Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a serious issue that nearly every nurse will encounter. A lack of training for nurses in IPV screening techniques may lead to ineffective assessment and failure to identify these patients. Purpose: A quality improvement project to determine the impact of a simulated IPV standardized patient/educational experience on nurse self-reported confidence levels, perceptions and attitudes regarding IPV screening, knowledge of appropriate interventions for those experiencing IPV, and IPV detection. Methods: A pretest-posttest design was used. Participants were voluntary newly graduated nurses enrolled in a four-hospital novice nurse program. The nurses participated in a live standardized patient (SP) scenario with a male and female couple with the stated purpose to collect a health history on the pregnant female SP. The objective was to recognize that the female SP was a potential victim of IPV. Each nurse debriefed with the SPs and a project team member and all nurses received evidence-based education regarding best practices. Percentages were used for data analysis to evaluate if there were changes in perceptions, attitudes, and knowledge regarding IPV related practices, and open-ended comments were reviewed to enhance quantitative data. Results: An SP experience resulted in an increase in knowledge, response preparedness and confidence. Cost and logistics will determine sustainability of the program. Significance: Knowledge and confidence supports effective assessment and identification of patients experiencing IPV which may lead to appropriate interventions and referrals.