Cancer workforce readiness to identify and respond to domestic abuse: A national survey and follow-up interviews

Abstract

Purpose Domestic abuse (DA) is a highly prevalent public health and health equity issue. We aimed to investigate cancer professionals’ experiences of DA among patients and assess cancer workforce readiness to identify, respond to, and prevent DA.Methods Cross-sectional survey (n = 343, mostly healthcare workers) and 15 follow-up interviews within an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design.Results Most participants had encountered individuals affected by DA in the past three years. Participants often referred patients to cancer psychologists. Unique opportunities to respond to DA arose in the cancer pathway, including holistic psychosocial approaches to care. But alongside were unique challenges, including difficulties distinguishing DA from common emotional responses to cancer diagnoses. Inadequate training, policies, and private spaces for DA inquiry limited organizational readiness to respond.Conclusion Carefully designed cancer-specific DA interventions are required to improve cancer professionals’ confidence and knowledge to safely seize these unique opportunities to identify, respond to, and prevent DA.