Domestic abuse identification scheme for GPs shows good results

A programme helping GPs identify victims of domestic abuse and get them help has had “highly promising” results.

A case study published by the Health Foundation has lessons for PCTs and commissioning consortia, its authors said.

The Identification and Referral to Improve Safety of Women Experiencing Domestic Violence (IRIS) project is led by researchers at Bristol University, working with Bristol and Hackney PCTs, GP practices and women’s rights groups.

The Health Foundation said NHS services have a “notably poor record” on domestic abuse, with only around 15% of women who suffer abuse having any reference to this fact in their primary care medical record. 

The IRIS project has already reported significant and measurable improvements in referrals of domestic violence victims to the right support resources.

The case study was written by Dr Kamran Abbasi, editor of Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine. 

Professor Martin Marshall, clinical director and director of research and development at the Health Foundation, said: “NHS services have a lamentable record when it comes to domestic violence. Women – and it is mainly women – affected by domestic violence may suffer from a combination of physical and mental health problems, often for years, without knowing who to turn to for help. The IRIS project shows considerable promise in addressing this very real problem.

“When victims of domestic violence are referred to appropriate experts this can have a lasting and transformative effect on their lives. The work that the IRIS project is doing to make this happen is ground-breaking. Professor Gene Feder, his team from the University of Bristol, those involved at clinical, community group and PCT levels should be very proud of what they have achieved.

‘The commissioning landscape is changing quickly but even so we urge pathfinder commissioning consortia and PCTs and to consider becoming involved in the next phase of this important project.”