GPs' perception of their role in the identification and management of family violence.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the following: (1) GPs' perception of their role in identification and management of family violence in New Zealand, possible barriers and how these might be overcome and (2) opinions of GPs regarding the prevalence of family violence in their practices.
METHODS: Three focus group (18 participants) discussions were conducted in 2002. Participants were GPs from southern New Zealand urban and rural general practices, Student Health and one medical officer from a provincial hospital. The groups' discussions were audio taped, transcribed, then analysed and coded using qualitative methodology.
RESULTS: Participating GPs thought they were in a good position to identify and manage family violence but estimated prevalence in their practice populations was low. Barriers included perceived difficulty, complexity and stress in dealing with family violence. Lack of time, confidence or experience in dealing with family violence, lack of information and access to referral agencies were also noted. GPs felt powerless when victims would not change their situation. Dealing with the perpetrator was difficult. Training and coordinated support and referral systems could improve GPs' involvement with identification and management of family violence.
CONCLUSIONS: The GPs' estimation of family violence prevalence in their practices is low compared to community-based research. Many issues affect the GP in identifying and managing family violence and must be considered in developing guidelines and training, referral systems and support for GPs.