Experiences of supporting primary and community healthcare workers affected by domestic abuse in the United Kingdom: A cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Background: Healthcare workers are expected to identify and respond to domestic abuse among patients. However, research has neglected healthcare workers’ own experiences of domestic abuse. Objectives: Focusing on UK primary and community healthcare workers with formal support roles (e.g. line managers, human resources, employee assistance professionals), this exploratory study aimed to illustrate workplace support offered to healthcare colleagues affected by domestic abuse. Method: We used an online cross-sectional survey with closed and qualitative free-text questions, advertised via mailing lists and social media, targeting healthcare workers. Our mixed methods embedded design involved quantitative descriptive analysis with content analysis of qualitative free text to explain and interrogate results. Results: Sixty-two people in healthcare roles supporting colleagues responded, mostly from community hospitals, dentistry, and general practice. Few workplaces had staff domestic abuse policies. Support measures were limited. Emotional support, signposting, and adjusted working hours were the most common types of support available. Training on supporting affected colleagues was rare. Few environments had specialist domestic abuse advocates who supported staff. Along with needing policies, training, and in-house support, respondents indicated a need for a cultural shift to address myths about domestic abuse and hierarchical power, particularly regarding healthcare workers who perpetrate abuse. Conclusion: Despite several limitations, including substantial missing data, our work highlights that primary and community healthcare workplaces should explore the implementation of practical and emotional support measures; healthcare-based domestic abuse advocates with staff support; and training on supporting colleagues. Further pan-European comparative research should surface good practice and foster cross-learning.