Background Awareness of domestic violence and abuse (DVA) as a problem among military personnel (serving and veterans) has grown in recent years, and there is a need for research to inform improvements in the identification of and response to DVA in this population. This study aimed to explore the experience of health and welfare professionals in identifying and responding to DVA among the UK military population (serving personnel and veterans). Methods Thirty-five semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with health and welfare staff who work with serving UK military personnel and veterans. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Three superordinate themes were identified: i) patterns of DVA observed by health and welfare workers (perceived gender differences in DVA experiences and role of mental health and alcohol); (ii) barriers to identification of and response to DVA (attitudinal/knowledge-based barriers and practical barriers), and iii) resource issues (training needs and access to services). Participants discussed how factors such as a culture of hypermasculinity, under-reporting of DVA, the perception of DVA as a “private matter” among military personnel, and lack of knowledge and awareness of emotional abuse and coercive controlling behaviour as abuse constitute barriers to identification and management of DVA. Healthcare providers highlighted the need for more integrated working between civilian and military services, to increase access to support and provide effective care to both victims and perpetrators. Furthermore, healthcare and welfare staff reflected on their training needs in the screening and management of DVA to improve practice. Conclusions There is a need for increased awareness of DVA, particularly of non-physical forms of abuse, and of male victimisation in the military. Standardised protocols for DVA management and systematic training are required to promote a consistent and appropriate response to DVA. There is a particular training need among healthcare and first-line welfare staff, who are largely relied upon to identify cases of DVA in the military. Employing DVA advocates within military and civilian healthcare settings may be useful in improving DVA awareness, management and access to specialist support.

Alterations in the normal sleep patten are common in Intensive United Care patients and it can lead to phsycological and physiological disfunctions which increase morbidity and hence mortality. Purpose: identify interventions to promote sleep and confort in patients in a critical state. Methods: a study has been carried out which consists in systematic literature revision and has taken place where eleven items were selected. Results: the sleep privation is based on a multifactorial etiology where evidence shows that the main causes mainly focus on inherent aspects of the environment and health professionals` behavior. Conclusions: The interventions to be implemented aim at providing an environment that endure sleep and it recognizes its role in the patient's recuperation: stabilizing the nightly environment, reducing conversations between staff, reducing lights and the volume of the alarm calls and promoting relaxation techniques through massage, music therapy, therapeutic touch, mental image and relaxation.