Identification and Treatment of IPV/Nonfatal Strangulation by First Responders

Ineffective and inconsistent education focusing on domestic violence (DV)/intimate partner violence (IPV)/nonfatal strangulation identification and treatments results in first responders’ failure to move patients to a higher level of care, resulting in possible delayed complications. The purpose of the Doctor of Nursing practice (DNP) project was to determine if an educational program increased first responders’ knowledge and improved treatment of DV/IPV/nonfatal strangulation patients. Roger’s diffusion of innovation theory provided the framework throughout the educational process. The Physician Readiness to Manage Intimate Partner Violence Survey (PREMIS) tool was utilized to score the participants’ knowledge prior to and after the education. The PREMIS tool measured perceived knowledge from 1 (nothing) to 7 (very much) prior to the education and then after completing the education. The knowledge gain formula was then calculated to determine if participants gained knowledge of DV/IPV/nonfatal strangulation after the educational session was completed. The educational intervention led to a 69% learning gain for the class, demonstrating that first responders’ knowledge of evaluation and treatment of patients improved. The educational intervention could be utilized by others to decrease the gap in first responders’ knowledge. Educating first responders, those who frequently are the patient’s first point of contact, about the identification and treatment of DV/IPV/nonfatal strangulation patients will allow them to be transferred to a higher level of care, ultimately increasing positive outcomes and social change.