Perceptions of Australian paramedicine students on a novel multi-modal, skills-based intimate partner violence training: A qualitative, exploratory study

Background: Intimate partner violence is a global problem with significant adverse sequelae. Healthcare education in this area is limited, and healthcare students and professionals generally lack the confidence to communicate with, and clinically manage patients experiencing intimate partner violence. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the perceptions of undergraduate paramedicine students about intimate partner violence and its management, and intimate partner violence education. Design: A qualitative, exploratory study. Setting: An Australian undergraduate paramedicine program. Participants: Second- and third-year paramedicine students. Methods: Second-year paramedicine students were provided with intimate partner violence information in the form of relevant literature, a lecture and an online educational package, and a group clinical scenario session. Third-year students were not offered this information or experience. Both 2nd and 3rd year students then participated in a one-on-one clinical scenario with a standardised patient. The students interviewed the patient regarding health concerns, with appropriate questioning eliciting intimate partner violence disclosure. Subsequently, focus groups examined students' views regarding intimate partner violence management and education. Focus group transcripts were thematically analysed. Results: Twelve students participated in a standardised patient one-on-one clinical scenario and nine of these students took part in focus groups. Four major themes were identified from the focus groups: i) confidence, ii) uncertainty-what to do now? iii) value of intimate partner violence education, and iv) future of intimate partner violence education. The discourse around lack of confidence appeared to be more pronounced in the students who had not received the intimate partner violence educational package. Conclusion: The inclusion of a multi-modal intimate partner violence education package, including the utilisation of a standardised patient can be useful in improving paramedicine student confidence to interact with and manage patients impacted by intimate partner violence. Students value this education and are supportive of its incorporation in undergraduate paramedicine programs.