Using theory to design, implement and evaluate sustained nurse domestic violence screening and supportive care

Domestic violence is prevalent and harmful for abused women and children and damages women's capacity to maintain wellbeing and parent effectively. As women's health is likely to be poor, greater identification and support by nurses for abused women is needed. The aim of this study is to highlight the importance of theory in nursing intervention research on domestic violence and how the application of implementation theory can be used to promote programme sustainability. In particular, we discuss the use of Normalization Process Theory (NPT) in the MOVE (improving maternal and child health care for vulnerable mothers) study, a randomised controlled trial which aimed to increase nurse inquiry, safety planning and referral of abused women. NPT was used in the participatory action research and design stage of the trial, in the implementation and process evaluation phases. In conclusion, the use of implementation theory in nursing research can enhance the uptake of complex interventions, address the knowledge-practice gap and potentially improve outcomes for women experiencing domestic violence.