Healthcare workers' level of comfort screening for intimate partner violence: Exploring facilitators and barriers.

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a public health issue that affects over 10 million people annually. Healthcare workers can be the first point of contact for patients experiencing IPV and screening practices are essential to identify those patients. This study aims to explore facilitators and barriers to healthcare workers screening for IPV. This cross-sectional research study was comprised of physicians, nurses, and social workers (n=39) from a Level 1 Trauma Center in Louisville, KY. An online survey was used to recruit participants and gain insight into screening practices that serve as facilitators or barriers. The results indicate that screening practices are not occurring, and facilitators and barriers are identified. Recommendations are offered regarding the organization’s policies and procedures to address IPV with members of leadership, including IPV training, to improve screening practices among healthcare workers and increase their level of comfort.