Intimate partner violence as a subject of study during the training of nurses and midwives in Catalonia (Spain): A qualitative study

Abstract

While nurses and midwives are in a unique position to identify and help victims of IPV, since they are often their fi rst point of contact in the healthcare system, they need appropriate training. This study sought to examine the presence of IPV-related contents and the depth to which they are addressed in the bachelor's degree in Nursing and in the Midwifery specialisation programme. The study also explored lecturers' motivations for including IPV in their subjects. The methodology employed was qualitative. In- depth interviews were conducted with 16 university lecturers who teach IPV contents in the Nursing degree and Midwifery specialisation programme. The study took place in Catalonia (Spain). The research shows that lecturers feel personally committed in the training for prevention and detection of IPV. The main teaching methodology is active, experiential and requires student activity. In all cases, the lecturers call for more time and spaces to be made available to carry out this training. It would be desirable for more time to be dedicated to nurses and midwives' university training in IPV. The topic should be approached with a more cross-disciplinary, systematised focus from all perspectives: health, psycho- logical, social, ethical and legal. It is important that the training of teaching staff in IPV should be fostered and methodised.