POSTER

Universal Screening for Intimate Partner Violence: Brief Courses for Third-Year Medical Students, Pediatric Residents and Pediatric Faculty

Authors: Heidi Sallee, MD, FAAP, Department of Pediatrics, St. Louis University School of Medicine, SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital

Objective: The AAP recommends that pediatricians take an active role in recognizing and intervening in situations of intimate partner violence (IPV) in a “skillful” manner. This presentation describes the development and implementation process of brief courses to teach universal IPV screening in the pediatric setting.

Methods: Courses for screening for IPV were developed for pediatric faculty and residents and third-year medical students. The objective was to have the learners screen and respond to female caregivers. The third-year medical student course was pilot tested. The course consisted of a one-hour didactic session followed by modeling and role-playing. To evaluate the curriculum the students were give a pre- and posttest to assess their knowledge gain. The students were also evaluated performing the screening in the clinic setting.

Results: Twenty-two students took the pretest and posttest, showing a 9% improvement in the scores. Six students participated in one 45-minute modeling and role-playing session, and of those six students three were observed performing the screening during their required history and physical. All three of the students who were observed followed the checklist.

Conclusion: A short course teaching IPV screening can increase a third-year medical student's knowledge of IPV and the student will be able to screen for IPV.