Intimate partner violence: The identification and response practices of clinicians in rural emergency departments. A scoping review
Abstract
Introduction: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major contributor to poor health outcomes, particularly for women in rural areas. Geographical and social isolation can impede access to support networks and limited availability of specialised services can further compound vulnerability. Within this context, rural emergency departments have become key access points for IPV support; presenting an opportunity to explore how identification and response are approached in these rural settings.
Objective: This scoping review synthesises current research on clinician IPV identification and response practices in rural emergency departments (EDs) to inform future improvements in care and service delivery.
Design: This scoping review followed the Joanna Briggs methodology drawing on a search of four databases yielding ten peer-reviewed articles published between 2011 and 2025 that explored clinician IPV identification and response practices in rural EDs.
Findings: Five themes emerged: (1) Training and preparedness for IPV Practice, (2) Clinician Attitudes & Readiness, (3) Structural Barriers in Rural EDs, (4) Identification & Documentation Practices (5) Organisational and System Supports.
Conclusion: Rural EDs face complex barriers to effectively identifying and responding to IPV, including workforce limitations, confidentiality concerns, and systemic under-resourcing. Enhancing emergency clinicians' IPV practices requires greater focus on trauma-informed organisational approaches,…
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