Hybrid training should be used when carrying out domestic violence and abuse training in general practice, experts recommend today.

While the training in UK general practice moved to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, widening access for doctors, nurses, and administrative staff, researchers say it may have reduced learner engagement compared with face-to-face training. Writing in the latest edition of the British Journal of General Practice, the authors write that DVA training is integral to the partnership between general practice and specialist DVA services. Because reduced engagement risks weakening this partnership, they recommend a hybrid DVA training model for general practice, including remote information delivery alongside a structured face-to-face aspect.

The team, led by Bristol University, conducted semi-structured interviews with 21 participants, comprising three practice managers, three reception and administrative staff, eight general practice clinicians, and seven specialist DVA staff). They also observed eight remote training sessions, with final analysis being conducted using a framework approach. Results were grouped into four themes identified from both the observation of the training sessions and the interviews, with the key themes weaving across both datasets: constants and adaptations; the access–engagement trade-off; sensitive content in remote sessions; and is remote training here to stay?

The authors noted challenges when discussing a sensitive subject such as DVA in a remote setting – although participants were reminded that the content could potentially be distressing and were reassured they could switch off their screens/sound, it limited the trainer’s ability to ‘read the room’ and gauge a response from the audience. This meant there was a risk trainees could be overwhelmed by the content, with no one close by to support them if needed. Remote training was viewed as an efficient option given the busy work schedules of practice staff, and for some advocate educators there was worry around reverting back to face-to-face training. However, some preferred a return to face-to-face training to enhance learning and improve absorption of information.

The authors concluded that while remote DVA training in UK general practice widened access to learners, there should be a hybrid DVA training model for general practice because it has broader relevance for other specialist services providing training and education in primary care.