Which Violence Against Women Educational Strategies Are Effective for Prequalifying Health-Care Students?: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a global public health issue which disproportionately affects women. Health-care providers have an important role in recognizing and addressing GBV in practice, yet research suggests that the issue remains underrecognized, with many qualified professionals reporting lack of confidence and a sense of unpreparedness. Prequalifying GBV educational strategies are inconsistent in both quantity and quality worldwide, and to date, there has been no comprehensive review of those programs’ effectiveness. This internationally focused literature review aimed to identify best educational practices in GBV for prequalifying health-care students. A systematic search of six databases yielded 17 studies meeting the inclusion criteria, with all studies examining one or more educational intervention. Quality appraisal was undertaken and data were tabulated to capture relevant information. Thematic findings suggest that interactive educational strategies yield better results than didactic approaches. Similarly, interventions with a focus on practical application of learning are generally preferred over strictly theoretical approaches. Courses of longer duration seem to be more effective in instilling attitudinal changes. Lastly, gendered differences were noted in a number of studies, with female students consistently outperforming males. However, more research is needed before conclusions can be drawn about the effectiveness of single- versus mixed-gender audiences. This review makes a useful contribution to the literature of health education, supporting many findings from previous studies and identifying knowledge gaps to be explored in future research. There are implications for both educators and practitioners in creating discernible change for women in their care.

Knowledge, attitude, and preparedness toward IPV care provision among nurses and midwives in Tanzania

“…The availability of guidelines and protocols for care provision at health facilities is fundamental, as is the introduction of and training to appropriately utilize guidelines and protocols. Appropriate and effective IPV educational methods, such as interactive learning and practical applications of learning, may be used [32] after they are adapted to the local context. In this study, there were no associations between educational level, work experience, training opportunities, and the affective domain, such as attitudes toward IPV care.…”

Nurse Training in Gender-Based Violence Using Simulated Nursing Video Consultations during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study

“…A recent systematic review on effective educational strategies on GBV included active methodologies, such as single session lectures or seminars, interactive online tutorials, standardized patient interactions, peer education, theater, group discussion, role play, and a full-day interactive workshop covering theory and practice [ 31 ]. This review suggested that interactive educational strategies were better than theory-based strategies, as they focused on practical application for learning [ 31 ]. In this sense, a high-fidelity clinical simulation methodology accomplishes this requirement.…”

“One of the most important subjects for a healthcare worker”: Cross‐sectional student evaluation of family violence best practice response curriculum

“…Diverse pedagogy and methods of engagement could prove worthwhile in future iterations of the subject. Interactive engagement and training over longer periods of time, including simulated patient encounters, may enhance student learning (Sammut et al, 2019).…”