General practitioner survivors’ experiences working with family violence survivors: A qualitative study

Background Domestic and family violence (DFV) is common worldwide and general practitioners (GPs) are not immune. DFV survivors frequently present to primary care where GP DFV survivors often encounter them. Little literature and no qualitative studies look at the emotional and professional effects that these encounters have on survivor GPs, including how it affects their ability to care for survivor patients. Aim This study asked the question, “what are the experiences of survivor GPs when working with patient survivors of DFV?” Design/Setting This study used a phenomenological qualitative approach to gain a deep understanding of Australian GP DFV survivors’ experiences when working with survivor patients. Method Participants were Australian GPs self-identifying as survivors of all forms of DFV. Participants were recruited from two Australian GP online groups using purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews took place and were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Reflexive thematic analysis was undertaken. Results Participants (20) were female and worked in a range of locations throughout Australia. Four themes were identified: ‘My experiences can be my superpower’ (encompassing the subthemes: ‘Having a sixth sense’ and ‘Going above and beyond’); ‘Connecting with survivor’s stories’; ‘Wearing a cloak’; and ‘My experiences give me purpose’. Conclusion Although GP DFV survivors commonly experienced difficult emotions when working with survivor patients, they had a commitment to this work which stemmed from personal DFV experiences. This increased their empathy for survivors and gave them a deep understanding of their circumstances, allowing them to work powerfully with survivors, aiming to improve their situation.