Increasing physician comfort level in screening and counseling patients for intimate partner violence: hands-on practice

A paucity of literature exists on implementing and evaluating residence curriculum addressing intimate partner violence. We used unknown simulated patients in a university-based family practice clinic following a pilot curriculum intervention. The Curriculum focused on physician comfort with screening. counseling, and referral of patients, using standard conferences as well as a role-play session. Subsequently, unknown simulated patients were inserted into residents' clinic schedules during videotaped sessions, Evaluation included skills checklists from simulated patients. review of videotapes, and post-study resident interviews. Use of unknown simulated patients encouraged residents to consider and screen for intimate partner violence. Using simulated patients is logistically complex but provides a powerful residency training tool. Residents reported attitude changes favoring a more comprehensive role and reported greater comfort and confidence with screening and counseling. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.