In neighbouring Tasmania, a newly launched pilot program is seeking to better equip GPs. It moves them from a reactive to a proactive model in identifying and addressing domestic and family violence. Alina Thomas leads this effort. It’s improving the ability of general practitioners to respond to and manage instances of family violence, an important and awful criminality that affects too many constituents in our communities. As domestic violence continues to rise, especially in the wake of recent reports indicating that about 8 in 10 women were turned away from the Hobart Women’s Shelter due to capacity constraints, the program’s role becomes increasingly vital.
Alina Thomas emphasized the importance of this initiative by stating, “So it may be that we… are helping GPs to support somebody who it might be their first disclosure.” This new, year-long program hopes to encourage a safe space for their patients to speak out. In turn, this allows GPs to provide more customized clinical treatment and get patients the other support services they need.
The purpose of the pilot program is to better patient outcomes. Read the full GP Connect Submission here. It aims to improve the working relationship between GPs and support services. TPI Staff Director, Dr. Samantha Goss, collaborates with Thomas on the program. She argues that better communication leads to a more coordinated community response to family violence.
The Role of General Practitioners
GPs are usually the first port of call for people who want to share their experiences of domestic abuse. Indeed, research found that only 18% women disclose abuse to their GP. For most, this exchange is the most important access point into the full network of care and resources.
Rebecca, another participant in the initiative, recalls her clinician’s intense focus on her medical record. This comprehensive review uncovered evidence of abuse that previously had flown under the radar. She was really thankful for having such a trusted, independent professional to help her navigate every step of her unique situation.
“I think I needed someone I trusted, who was objective … to say ‘no, that’s not right. You’re doing nothing wrong, this isn’t your responsibility and these are your options.’” – Rebecca
Dr. Goss highlighted the potential benefits of the pilot program, stating, “If we upskill GPs to feel more competent in managing patients who are experiencing family violence, we might help manage the waitlists as well, which is a win-win situation.” The program prepares GPs with tools and information necessary to become agents of change. It seeks to improve immediate, individualized patient-level responses and to inform higher-level systemic responses to family violence in the healthcare environment.
Building Trust and Competence
Trust was a key issue that the pilot program wanted to address between GPs and their patients. That’s why it provides training on the best practices for handling sensitive disclosures. As Alina Thomas noted, patients are often reluctant or afraid to disclose history with domestic violence. Thus, creating a supportive environment is crucial.
“It can be the difference between them going on to seek further help and further support and feeling believed and validated,” Thomas added. This is a profound sentiment and highlights the need for GPs to navigate these discussions with delicacy and empathy.
Dr Goss hopes that in strengthening the trauma-informed competencies of GPs, a wider community of trauma-informed care will be able to organically form. She remarked, “These sorts of programs mean there will be a more cohesive response to family violence, and it’s not reliant on one person having the knowledge necessarily.” Thomas and Goss are teaming up to equip GPs to advance health equity. They don’t want simply to inform them—they want to equip them with the resources and wisdom to wrestle mouthwatering multifaceted problems.
Future Implications and Goals
The implications of this pilot program go far beyond day-to-day patient experiences. By alerting support services to a network of GPs trained in trauma-informed care, the initiative hopes to streamline referrals and improve access for those in need.
As Alina Thomas explained, “We will be able to be there with GPs to help them understand what the implications are and what the best practice is.” By taking this more collaborative approach, we can provide sustained support and prevent GPs from finding themselves in these difficult conversations with a lack of support.
Domestic violence is a crime that all too often lurks in the shadows. Publicity programs like this are essential for highlighting these vital topics. The intention is clear: empower GPs so they can effectively assist those who may be silently suffering.
