A systematic review of research examining mothers, infants, family and staff in psychiatric mother-baby units.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to summarise and synthesise research conducted in psychiatric mother-baby units (MBUs) in relation to patients, their families, or staff, published from 1st January 2016 to 1st May 2024. METHOD: Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method studies were included for review if they were published in peer-review journals in English and reported research on MBUs between January 2016 and May 2024. From the initial yield of 10,007 unique studies, 53 studies were included for review. RESULTS: MBU research was found to more frequently investigate maternal characteristics rather than the benefits of MBU treatment compared to studies conducted prior to 2016. Most studies that did investigate impact of admission showed favourable results, however few follow-up studies and studies comparing MBU outcomes to other clinical settings were undertaken. Little research has been conducted to investigate the differential impacts of MBU admission on different diagnoses and long-term (>1 year) patient outcomes. There was a dearth of research investigating partners of women in MBUs and few studies conducted on infant outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: MBUs were consistently found to improve mental health systems and mother-infant attachment in patients after admission. More research investigating patient support networks and child health, impact of diagnosis on outcomes, and studies with adequate follow-up are required.

Disordered eating instruments in the pregnancy cohort: a systematic review update.

Pregnancy represents a crucial timepoint to screen for disordered eating due to the significant adverse impact on the woman and her infant. There has been an increased interest in disordered eating in pregnancy since the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disproportionately affected the mental health of pregnant women compared to the general population. This systematic review is an update to a previous review aiming to explore current psychometric evidence for any new pregnancy-specific instruments and other measures of disordered eating developed for non-pregnant populations. Systematic searches were conducted in PubMed, ProQuest, PsycInfo, CINAHL, Scopus, MEDLINE, and Embase from April 2019 to February 2024. A total of 20 citations met criteria for inclusion, with most studies of reasonable quality. Fourteen psychometric instruments were identified, including two new pregnancy-specific screening instruments. Overall, preliminary psychometric evidence for the PEBS, DEAPS, and EDE-PV was promising. There is an ongoing need for validation in different samples, study designs, settings, and administration methods are required. Similar to the original review on this topic, we did not find evidence to support a gold standard recommendation.

Australian women's perspectives of routine enquiry into domestic violence before and after birth.

BACKGROUND: Peripartum women are vulnerable to experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV). Interactions with health practitioners during maternity care provide a unique opportunity to detect and respond to women who are experiencing IPV. The aim of this study was to explore women's experiences of IPV screening at an Australian maternity service. METHODS: Qualitative methodology was used in this cross-sectional study. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with women with IPV who attended an Australian maternity service. Thematic analysis was used to identify codes and themes. RESULTS: The nine women expressed three major themes, and six sub-themes, surrounding clinician approaches (communication and support, asking about IPV, and following disclosure), system considerations (fear of child safety involvement, continuity of care, and environmental considerations), and education. All participants supported screening and highlighted beneficial or detrimental approaches to screening and care, and recommendations for improvement. CONCLUSION: This research points to the benefit of trauma-informed frameworks in hospitals to support women experiencing IPV.

Cost of intimate partner violence during pregnancy and postpartum to health services: a data linkage study in Queensland, Australia.

To quantify health service costs of intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy and postpartum; and to compare health service costs between women who reported IPV, versus women who did not report IPV. This was a cohort study using linked data for a publicly funded Australian tertiary hospital maternity service. Participants included all women accessing antenatal services between August 2016 and August 2018. Routinely collected IPV data were linked to women's admitted, non-admitted, emergency department, perinatal, and costing data from 6 months prior to reporting IPV through to 12 months post-birth. Of the 9889 women receiving maternity care, 280 (2.9%) reported some form of IPV with 72 (24.8%) referred to support. Women who reported IPV generated higher mean total costs than women not reporting IPV ($12,772 vs $10,166, respectively). Between-group differences were significant after adjusting for demographic and clinical factors (cost ratio 1.24, 95% CI: 1.15-1.34). There were no significant differences in mean total costs for babies where IPV was and was not reported ($4971 vs $5340, respectively). IPV is costly for health services. However, greater research is needed to comprehensively estimate the long-term health service costs associated with IPV. Furthermore, the limitations associated with routinely collected IPV data suggest that standardised screening practices and innovative data linkage and modelling approaches are required to collect data that truly represents the burden and costs associated with IPV.

Australian hospital staff perceptions of barriers and enablers of domestic and family violence screening and response.

BACKGROUND: Hospital presentations provide unique opportunities to detect DFV. However, up to 70% of women experiencing Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) go undetected by hospital staff. While routine DFV screening is internationally encouraged, there is still much debate surrounding its implementation. The aim of the study was to determine staff perceptions of barriers and enablers of DFV screening and response. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at a tertiary level public hospital and health service. Health care staff in allied health, maternity and mental health divisions (n = 615) were invited to participate by email and through team meetings. 172 responses were analysed. RESULTS: Less than a third of respondents reported routinely asking patients about DFV, with 34.9% reporting they did not have sufficient training to assist with DFV. Increased levels of training were positively correlated with screening practices, preparedness and knowledge. Major barriers were presence of partner and language barriers, while written protocols and supportive work environment were the principal enablers of screening. CONCLUSION: Staff generally believed that routine screening was important and should encompass all forms of abuse. Many felt ill-equipped to ask about or manage disclosure of DFV. More training improves staff capacity for DFV detection and response, and written guidelines should be made available to all staff.

Evaluating the prevalence and opportunity for technology use in chronic kidney disease patients: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing worldwide and early education to improve adherence to self-management is a key strategy to slow CKD progression. The use of the internet and mobile phone technologies (mHealth) to support patients is considered an effective tool in many other chronic disease populations. While a number of mHealth platforms for CKD exist, few studies have investigated if and how this population use technology to engage in self-management. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional design across five health districts in Queensland (Australia), a 38-item self-report survey was distributed to adults with CKD attending outpatient clinics or dialysis units to measure current use and type of engagement with mHealth, perceived barriers to use, and opportunities to support CKD self-management. Odds ratio (OR) were calculated to identify associations between demographic characteristic and mHealth use. RESULTS: Of the 708 participants surveyed, the majority had computer access (89.2%) and owned a mobile phone (83.5%). The most likely users of the internet were those aged ≤ 60 years (OR: 7.35, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.25-12.75, p < 0.001), employed (OR: 7.67, 95% CI: 2.58-22.78, p < 0.001), from non-indigenous background (OR: 6.98, 95% CI: 3.50-13.93, p < 0.001), or having completed higher levels of education (OR: 3.69, CI: 2.38-5.73, p < 0.001). Those using a mobile phone for complex communication were also younger (OR: 6.01, 95% CI: 3.55-10.19, p < 0.001), more educated (OR: 1.99, 95% CI: 1.29-3.18, p < 0.01), or from non-indigenous background (OR: 3.22, 95% CI: 1.58-6.55, p < 0.001). Overall, less than 25% were aware of websites to obtain information about renal healthcare. The mHealth technologies most preferred for communication with their renal healthcare teams were by telephone (56.5%), internet (50%), email (48.3%) and text messages (46%). CONCLUSION: In the CKD cohort, younger patients are more likely than older patients to use mHealth intensively and interactively although all patients' technology literacy ought to be thoroughly assessed by renal teams before implementing in practice. Further research testing mHealth interventions to improve self-management in a range of patient cohorts is warranted.

Cryotherapy for docetaxel-induced hand and nail toxicity: randomised control trial.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the efficacy and safety of cryotherapy, in the form of frozen gel gloves, in relation to docetaxel-induced hand and fingernail toxicities. PATIENTS AND METHODS: After piloting with 21 patients, a consecutive series sample of patients (n=53) prescribed docetaxel every 3 weeks, for a minimum of three cycles, was enrolled in this randomised control trial. Participants acted as their own control, with the frozen gel glove worn on one randomised hand for 15 min prior to infusion, for the duration of the infusion, and for 15 min of after completion of treatment. Hand and nail toxicities were evaluated by two blinded assessors according to CTCAE.v4 criteria. To assess the potential for cross-infection of multi-use gloves, microbial culture and sensitivity swabs were taken of each glove at every tenth use. RESULTS: Of the 53 participants enrolled in the main study, 21 provided evaluable data. There was a 60 % withdrawal rate due to patient discomfort with the intervention. The mean incidence and severity of toxicities in all evaluable cycles in control and intervention hands respectively were erythroderma grade 1 (5/5 %), nail discolouration grade 1 (81/67 %), nail loss grade 1 (19/19 %) and nail ridging grade 1 (57/57 %). No significant differences were determined between hand conditions in terms of time to event, nor in terms of toxicity in gloved and non-gloved hands. CONCLUSION: While cryotherapy in the form of frozen gloves for the cutaneous toxicities associated with docetaxel is safe, its limited efficacy, patient discomfort and some logistical issues preclude its use in our clinical setting.

An evaluation of education videos for women experiencing domestic and family violence in healthcare settings: protocol for a mixed methods systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Domestic and family violence (DFV) is a significant public health issue that poses a high risk to women, globally. Women experiencing DFV have higher rates of healthcare utilisation than women not experiencing DFV. Healthcare services are therefore well placed to address DFV and deliver education and awareness interventions to women. Video interventions are a strategy to deliver education to women, while overcoming barriers such as language, literacy, lack of rapport with clinician, or unwillingness to disclose. The current review will aim to further understand the characteristics, methods of evaluation, and outcomes of DFV video education interventions for perinatal women. METHODS: The review will be reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) statement. A systematic search will be conducted of the following databases: Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, PsycArticles, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection. Two independent reviewers will screen titles and abstracts against the inclusion criteria, followed by a full text screening of eligible articles. A third reviewer will resolve discrepancies. All study types will be included. Only studies published in English will be included. Risk of bias will be assessed using the Quality Assessment with Diverse Studies (QuADS) tool. Data will undergo an aggregate mixed method synthesis informed by The Joanna Briggs Institute, before being analysed using a thematic approach. DISCUSSION: This systematic review will provide evidence on best practice for the creation, delivery, and evaluation of DFV video interventions for women in the peripartum. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration number CRD42023475338.

Meal support intervention for eating disorders: a mixed-methods systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Mealtimes are a period of heightened distress for individuals with eating disorders. Patients frequently display maladaptive coping strategies, such as hiding food and using distraction techniques to avoid eating. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the evidence for meal support interventions as a first-line intervention for eating disorders. METHOD: Six databases were systematically searched in January 2024. Papers including patients with an eating disorder, and meal support or meal supervision, were examined. Quality appraisal was conducted. RESULTS: Ten studies met inclusion criteria. Meal support was conducted individually and in group settings. Two studies examined the practical or interpersonal processes of meal support. Carers and trained clinicians implemented meal support. Individuals across the lifespan were examined. Settings included inpatient units, community clinics, and the home. Studies were heterogeneously evaluated with retrospective chart audits, pre- and post- cohort studies, semi-structured interviews, video analysis, and surveys. DISCUSSION: Meal support intervention is potentially suitable and beneficial for patients of various age groups and eating disorder diagnoses. Due to the lack of consistent approaches, it is apparent there is no standardised framework and manualised approach. This highlights the need for the development of a co-designed approach, adequate training, and rigorous evaluation.

Previous research indicates that meal support may be potentially beneficial as an independent intervention in the treatment of eating disorders, but inconsistent approaches and a lack of standardization make evaluations challenging. The current study aims to provide an overview of current meal support interventions, how they are implemented, and their impacts on health outcomes and hospital admissions in people experiencing an eating disorder. Gaps in current knowledge and research highlight the need for further investigation, and the development of a co-designed approach, adequate training, and rigorous evaluation.

Characteristics and outcomes of community-based perinatal peer support: Protocol for a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Mental health issues and parenting difficulties in the perinatal period are common, and have significant negative impacts on individuals, families, and broader society. Community-based peer support programs might be an effective adjunct to standard mental health interventions in perinatal mental health issues, specifically where low-cost interventions are required, or access to professional care is limited. METHODS: A systematic review will be undertaken. Searches will be conducted on four electronic databases (Pubmed, Embase, Cinahl, and PsycINFO), using terms related to perinatal mental health and peer support. Literature will be screened by title and abstract and then by full text. Selected studies will be evaluated using the Quality Assessment with Diverse Studies (QuADS) tool. Data relevant to community-based perinatal peer support intervention characteristics and outcomes will be extracted, and synthesised narratively. DISCUSSION: This review will contribute to the existing evidence about perinatal mental health peer support, by synthesising information about community-based interventions specifically. The findings will be used to inform the design, implementation, and evaluation of a community-based perinatal mental health peer support program in urban and rural/remote hospital and health services in Australia. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Systematic review registration: CRD42023451568.

A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis of Cognitive Training in the Treatment of Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorder.

Introduction: The one unifying and distinguishing feature of all neuropsychiatric illnesses is the co-occurrence of cognitive dysfunction. Cognitive training (CT) was developed to enhance neural connectivity and cognition and improve day-to-day functioning. However, the benefits of CT are still debated. This current systematic review aimed to examine the efficacy of CT and to identify diagnostic and CT characteristics associated with superior outcomes across a range of psychiatric disorders. Method: Studies investigating CT in psychiatric illnesses were extracted from Embase, PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and PsycARTICLES up to 17 August 2023. Inclusion criteria were randomised control trials (RCT) and English language. The primary search strategy included terms relating to cognitive training, cognitive remediation, cognitive enhancement, or cognitive rehabilitation and randomised control trials, clinical trials, or experiments. Risk of bias was assessed using RevMan Web version 8.1.1. Narrative synthesis was used to analyse findings. Due to the heterogeneity of participant demographics, diagnoses, and interventions, meta-analyses were considered inappropriate. Results: Fifteen studies, including a total of 1075 participants, were identified. Approximately 67% of studies reported significant improvements in at least one trained domain of cognitive function after CT, and 47% observed improvements in psychiatric symptoms or function. Cognitive transfer effects were not observed. Sample sizes for studies were generally small, and most CT durations were 6 weeks or less. Conclusions: Findings suggest that CT can improve cognitive function in trained domains, though little evidence of cognitive transfer effects was observed. Due to the lack of standardisation in CT format and delivery, and inadequate measures of psychiatric symptoms or daily function, there is insufficient evidence to conclude whether or not this technique may benefit cognitive impairment in psychiatric disorders, or lead to subsequent improvement in disease symptomatology. Further studies of longer duration and using consistent methodologies must be conducted to identify the benefits of CT in psychiatric disorders.

Domestic violence screening in a public mental health service: A qualitative examination of mental health clinician responses to DFV.

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Mental health clients experience higher estimated rates of domestic violence, yet mental health services are less likely to screen for domestic violence. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: This paper qualitatively explores the perspectives and experiences of mental health practitioners in inpatient and community teams in a publicly funded hospital and health service (i.e. public mental health service). Mental health practitioners described a lack of domestic violence training, as well as a lack of knowledge of domestic violence and support mechanisms for victims, when domestic violence is disclosed by clients. The paper highlights the unique difficulties and barriers experienced by clinicians in screening for domestic violence while also dealing with clients suffering a mental health crisis. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: The paper sheds more light on the issue of domestic violence in mental health in terms of screening, and identifies avenues for improvement in mental health services; particularly the need for staff training and education. ABSTRACT: Introduction Domestic violence is particularly prevalent within mental health client groups, though screening for domestic violence within mental health services is often overlooked. Aim To investigate the experiences and opinions of domestic violence screening by mental health clinicians in a publicly funded hospital and health service. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve clinicians working in publicly funded mental health services in Queensland, Australia. Transcripts were thematically analysed. Results Four main themes emerged from the data: staff training and experience; prioritizing domestic violence screening; attitudes to domestic violence; and victim support. Participants discussed a lack of training for, or expectations of, domestic violence screening in mental health services. They also highlighted a lack of resources enabling them to appropriately respond when domestic violence was identified. Discussion Education, attitudes and resources relating to domestic violence are major factors that should be addressed for the successful screening and treatment of clients in mental health. Implications for Practice This paper informs services of the gaps in knowledge and care around domestic violence and mental health. A less medicalized approach to the treatment of mental health should be adopted, and domestic violence training introduced for all healthcare practitioners, to improve client outcomes.

The Impact of Free Sugar on Human Health-A Narrative Review.

The importance of nutrition in human health has been understood for over a century. However, debate is ongoing regarding the role of added and free sugars in physiological and neurological health. In this narrative review, we have addressed several key issues around this debate and the major health conditions previously associated with sugar. We aim to determine the current evidence regarding the role of free sugars in human health, specifically obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cognition, and mood. We also present some predominant theories on mechanisms of action. The findings suggest a negative effect of excessive added sugar consumption on human health and wellbeing. Specific class and source of carbohydrate appears to greatly influence the impact of these macronutrients on health. Further research into individual effects of carbohydrate forms in diverse populations is needed to understand the complex relationship between sugar and health.

Understanding the practice patterns of nephrology nurse practitioners in Australia.

BACKGROUND: Nurse practitioners (NP) have an expanded scope of practice beyond that of a registered nurse. In kidney care, nephrology NP can manage patients at various points along the chronic kidney disease (CKD) trajectory. OBJECTIVES: To profile the characteristics, service patterns, and domains of practice of nephrology NP in Australia. DESIGN: A cross-sectional online secure survey. PARTICIPANTS: Nephrology NP (NP students) who were members of the Renal Society of Australasia and working in Australia (n = 73). MEASUREMENTS: Data collected were demographic and practice characteristics, and domains of practice (using the modified Strong Model of Advanced Practice). The survey also sought qualitative perspectives of the enablers and barriers to sustainability nurse practitioner healthcare delivery services. RESULTS: Nephrology NP (n = 45) primarily worked in adult services, managing those receiving haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, or patients with earlier grades of CKD. Providing direct comprehensive care was the dominant domain of advanced practice although administrative activities took up considerable time each week. Support from nurse leaders and medical colleagues was identified as key enablers for sustainability of these services whereas succession planning, and workload were the main barriers. CONCLUSIONS: This study found a highly qualified, experienced but older nephrology nurse practitioner workforce who provide an additional model of health service delivery which can meet the growing CKD burden. Internationally, this level of nurse provides an opportunity for a career pathway to maintain nurses in direct clinical roles and to expand the nephrology nursing workforce.

The Impact of Free and Added Sugars on Cognitive Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

A relationship between excessive sugar consumption and cognitive function has been described in animal models, but the specific effects of sugars in humans remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the current knowledge, research characteristics, and quality of evidence of studies investigating the impacts of free and added sugars on human cognition in healthy participants. The review identified 77 studies (65 experimental trials, n = 3831; 9 cross-sectional studies, n = 11,456; and 3 cohort studies, n = 2059). All cohort studies and eight of the nine cross-sectional studies found significant positive correlations between added sugar consumption and risk of cognitive impairment. Four studies identified reduced risk of cognitive impairment associated with natural fructose-containing foods. The majority of randomised control trials assessed short-term glucose facilitation effects on cognitive outcomes. The results from these studies suggest the need for a tightly regulated blood glucose level, dependent on individualised physiological factors, for optimal cognitive function. A meta-analysis of a subset of studies that assessed the impact of glucose on recall found improvements in immediate free recall compared to controls (p = 0.002). The findings highlight the potentially detrimental effect of excessive, long-term, or prenatal added sugar consumption on cognitive function. Further research is needed to examine the specific effects of free and added sugars on cognitive function.

Development of an Interprofessional Psychosocial Interventions Framework.

To meet the increasingly complex needs of mental health consumers, it is essential for multidisciplinary clinicians to have capabilities across a range of psychosocial interventions. Despite this, there is scant evidence investigating the existing levels of knowledge and skills of specialties within multidisciplinary mental health teams. The purpose of this paper was to describe the self-reported capabilities of mental health clinicians, and to provide a rationale for the Psychosocial Interventions Framework Assessment (PIFA), which aims to enhance the access to, and quality of, evidence-informed practice for consumers of mental health services (MHSs) by strengthening workforce capabilities and leadership for psychosocial therapies. Using the Delphi method, the team developed a 75-item survey based on the 10-point Mental Health Recovery Star (MHRS). Participants completed a self-administered survey indicating their perceived capabilities in the PIFA items. The findings revealed lower-than-expected average scores between 'novice' and 'proficient', highlighting the need for further development of specific training and education modules for individual teams. This is the first framework of its nature to use the Recovery StarTM to determine the psychosocial areas and domains for the assessment of practitioners' strengths and needs for skill development.

Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of an electronic mindfulness-based intervention to improve maternal mental health in the peripartum: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Perinatal women are highly vulnerable to developing mental health issues and particularly susceptible to a recurrence of psychiatric illness. Poor mental health during the perinatal period can have long-term impacts on the physical and psychiatric health of both mother and child. A potentially useful strategy to improve women's mental health is through a mobile application teaching mindfulness, an evidence-based technique helping individuals focus on the present moment. METHODS: A mixed method, prospective randomised controlled trial. The study group comprise women aged 18 years and over, who are attending the public and private maternity clinics at Mater Mothers' Hospital. A sample of 360 prenatal women will be randomised into the intervention group (with the use of the mindfulness app) or usual care. Participants will remain in the study for 11 months and will be assessed at four timepoints for changes in postnatal depression, mother-infant bonding, and quality of life. A cost-effectiveness evaluation will also be conducted using quality-adjusted life year (QALY) calculations. A random selection of intervention participants will be invited to attend focus groups to give feedback on the mindfulness app. DISCUSSION: Previous studies have found mindfulness interventions can reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances in a prenatal population. The risks of the intervention are low, but could be of significant benefit for women who are unable to attend face-to-face appointments due to geographical, financial, or time barriers; during endemic or pandemic scenarios; or due to health or mobility issues. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was approved by the Mater Misericordiae Human Research Ethics Committee (83,589). Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) ACTRN12622001581752 ( https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=385107&isReview=true ). Registered on 22 Dec. 2022.

Red flags and gut feelings-Midwives' perceptions of domestic and family violence screening and detection in a maternity department.

BACKGROUND: Domestic and family violence (DFV) is known to escalate during pregnancy. Routine screening for DFV in maternity departments is a widely acceptable practice according to staff and women. This study is part of a 3-year follow-up of an organisational intervention evaluation and aimed to identify clinicians' perceptions of current practices, as well as barriers and enablers to DFV antenatal screening. METHOD: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten midwives about conducting DFV screening within the maternity department of a large tertiary public hospital in Queensland, Australia. Interview transcripts were read and thematically analysed by two independent researchers. RESULTS: Four main themes emerged from the data: uncertainty despite education and training; fear of opening Pandora's Box; working with 'red flags' and 'gut feelings'; and it's all about the relationship. CONCLUSION: Although clinicians identified the importance of guidelines for managing DFV and knowledge of resources and services, confidence varied. Ongoing, formal, mandatory training in the area of DFV was highlighted. Managing partner presence in the room, building rapport with the woman, and time constraints continue to be challenging barriers to DFV detection. Routine screening, continuity of care, and staff knowledge and experience were major enablers to successful detection and response.

A cross-sectional survey of pregnant women's perceptions of routine domestic and family violence screening and responses by midwives: Testing of three new tools.

BACKGROUND: Implementing Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) screening, support, and prevention within maternity services is becoming common practice but women's experiences of screening are not routinely evaluated. AIMS: (1) Explore pregnant women's experiences of routine DFV screening and perceptions of responses by midwives; and (2) undertake preliminary testing of three new tools. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional design, pregnant women (n = 210) attending an antenatal service were surveyed. Three new measures: beliefs about DFV screening; non-disclosure of DFV; and midwifery support were tested. RESULTS: Most women (92.3% n = 194) recalled being screened. Twelve (5.8%) respondents had/were experiencing DFV. A quarter (24.1% n = 49) had experienced or witnessed violence in the home as a child. The scales were reliable and factor analysis established validity. Women reported positive beliefs (mean 35.38, SD 3.63 range 19-40) and views about midwifery support (mean 24.88, SD 3.08 range 18-30). There was less agreement about why some women do not disclose DFV (mean 21.97, SD 4.27, range 8-30). Women who experienced or witnessed violence as a child, or were experiencing violence now were less comfortable with screening. Comments (n = 75) revealed support for routine enquiry that was confidential, explained, and occurred in a trusting relationship. DISCUSSION: Women were supportive of screening, but actual rates of disclosure were low. Women acknowledged the importance of screening but did not want their information shared. CONCLUSIONS: Women value screening, even if DFV is not disclosed. Exploring women's experiences is central to ensuring quality care.