Community Pharmacists' Awareness of Intimate Partner Violence: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

Acknowledgements:The authors would like to thank all of the pharmacists who responded to the survey. Conclusions: Most respondents indicated relatively low levels of IPV knowledge and training and very little current IPV screening activity. Continuing education on IPV should be considered for pharmacists to increase knowledge and awareness of IPV. IntroductionIntimate partner violence (IPV), also known as domestic violence, is a public health problem impacting more than 12 million people in the United States each year.1 According to the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, 35.6% of women and 28.5% of men are physically assaulted, sexually assaulted, or stalked by an intimate partner in their lifetime.1 Intimate partner violence negatively impacts health and well-being by causing injury or worsening health conditions. Physical injuries can range from cuts and bruises to injuries such as broken bones, brain injuries, and even death.2 Victims of IPV experience exacerbation of chronic diseases due to stress and poor health behaviors, report pain more frequently, and use prescription pain medications more than those not exposed to IPV.3-5 6 Women exposed to IPV have greater health care utilization and health care costs, incurring costs approximately 60% higher than women not experiencing abuse, including 27% higher pharmacy costs per year.

A Team-Based Practicum Bringing Together Students Across Educational Institutions and Health Professions

“…18 While our survey indicated that student pharmacists recognized their team members as resources in assisting victims of domestic violence, the literature supports a greater need for pharmacist/ student training in screening for and recognition of intimate partner violence. 19 …”

<p>How to identify, assess, and refer patients experiencing interpersonal violence across the lifespan: the role of US pharmacists in integrated pharmacy research and practice</p>

“…Research relating to IPV training for pharmacists has shown their lack of awareness, readiness, and knowledge among pharmacists on how to respond to suspected cases of IPV. In a cross-sectional study with 144 community pharmacists, 67.4% of participants reported no IPV-related training at all 40. A majority of those surveyed (77.6%) were also uncertain if there was a legal mandate in their state of practice to report suspected cases of IPV 40.…”

Preparing Pharmacists to Care for Patients Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence

“…Two of the most frequently reported barriers to the provision of quality IPV-related care in other health care provider groups are a general lack of training and a lack of awareness of appropriate methods for referrals [ 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ]. Three studies have examined IPV knowledge and awareness in community pharmacists and found that pharmacists also report that they lack knowledge and preparation related to IPV, despite the fact that most report they have encountered victims in practice [ 23 , 28 , 29 , 30 ]. In order to provide the highest quality patient-centered care, educational interventions are needed for pharmacists.…”