Ensam med ansvaret att fråga : Distriktssköterskors upplevelser av att fråga om våld i nära relationer ; Left with the Responsibility to Ask : Experiences of Primary Health Care Nurses in Asking about Intimate Partner Violence

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global public health problem. In Sweden, healthcare professionals must respond to signs of IPV, and healthcare systems are obligated to have routines for identifying IPV. However, such routines are often absent. Patients rarely disclose IPV spontaneously but are more likely to disclose when asked within a trusting and safe relationship. Healthcare professionals report a lack of preparedness for asking about IPV. Research on primary healthcare nurses’ experiences of asking about IPV in primary healthcare settings is limited. The aim of this study was to illuminate primary healthcare nurses' experiences of asking adult patients about exposure to IPV. Aqualitative, explorative research design was adopted. Ten semistructured interviews with primary healthcare nurses were conducted and analysed using qualitative content analysis according to Elo and Kyngäs. The analysis generated three generic categories: The caring relationship, Impact of management and regulation, and Paths to improvement with seven subcategories. The results showed that personal values, the relationship with the patient, as well as knowledge, support and management influenced nurses’ experiences of asking about IPV. Lack of knowledge and support made them feel isolated or unconfident when asking about IPV and managing its consequences. Digitalisation introduced new demands for adaptation in clinical practice. To feel confident and secure when asking about IPV, nurses need training and organisational support. Educational interventions and support models need to be sustainable and characterised by long term commitment and continuity. This may lead to additional victims of IPV being identified and gaining access to safe, high-quality healthcare that promotes health in the long term. ; Våld i nära relationer (VINR) är ett globalt folkhälsoproblem. I Sverige ska hälso- och sjukvårdspersonal i primärvården ställa frågor om VINR på indikation och vårdgivare ska ha rutiner för att upptäcka utsatta patienter, vilket ...