Female veterans' preferences for counseling related to intimate partner violence: Informing patient-centered interventions

Abstract Objective Female veterans are at high risk for intimate partner violence (IPV). A critical issue in the provision of health care to women who experience IPV is the delivery of effective brief counseling interventions that address women's unique needs. We aimed to identify female vetera...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:General hospital psychiatry 2016-05, Vol.40, p.33-38
Main Authors: Iverson, Katherine M., Ph.D, Stirman, Shannon Wiltsey, Ph.D, Street, Amy E., Ph.D, Gerber, Megan R., M.D., MPH, Carpenter, S. Louisa, B.S, Dichter, Melissa E., Ph.D, Bair-Merritt, Megan, M.D., MSCE, Vogt, Dawne, Ph.D
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Brief counseling
Counseling - statistics & numerical data
Delivery of Health Care, Integrated - statistics & numerical data
Female
Humans
Integrated care
Intimate Partner Violence - statistics & numerical data
Middle Aged
Partner abuse
Patient Preference - statistics & numerical data
Patient preferences
Psychiatry
Veterans - statistics & numerical data
Women veterans
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Summary:Abstract Objective Female veterans are at high risk for intimate partner violence (IPV). A critical issue in the provision of health care to women who experience IPV is the delivery of effective brief counseling interventions that address women's unique needs. We aimed to identify female veterans' priorities and preferences for healthcare-based IPV counseling. Method A 2014 Web-based survey was administered to a national sample of US female veterans. Among 411 respondents (75% participation rate), 55% ( n = 226) reported IPV during their lifetime. These women identified priorities for the content focus of IPV-related counseling and preferences for the delivery of these services. Results Women prioritized counseling that focuses on physical safety and emotional health, with learning about community resources being a relatively lower priority. Participants preferred counseling to focus specifically on enhancing coping skills and managing mental health symptoms. In addition, women want counseling to be individualized and preferred the option to meet with a counselor immediately following disclosure. Affordable services and attention to privacy concerns were of paramount importance in the context of IPV-related counseling. Conclusion These findings can inform patient-centered brief counseling interventions for women who experience IPV, which may ultimately reduce health disparities and violence among this population.
ISSN:0163-8343
1873-7714
DOI:10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2016.03.001