Methodological Challenges in Group-based Randomised Controlled Trials for Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrators: A Meta-summary

Evidence for treatment effects of group-based Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) perpetrators programmes remains, at best, inconclusive. In the present review, systematic/meta-analytic reviews were used to identify randomised controlled trials and a meta-summary approach was employed to identify methodological challenges in the design and conduct of these trials. Of the fifteen studies identified, seven were comparative effectiveness trials. A range of methodological challenges were also identified by the trialists; source of outcome data, treatment modality, attrition and sample characteristics were the most frequently mentioned. Although there are only a few randomised controlled trials compared to non randomised studies, the findings of both highlight the need to invest in the development of innovative and/or combined IPV treatment programmes to address co-occurring issues such as substance use and trauma. The summary of methodological challenges will provide the first step in the development of methods guidance for researchers working in this area.

Automated summary

Evidence on the effectiveness of group-based Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) perpetrators programmes is inconclusive. This review identified randomised controlled trials using systematic/meta-analytic reviews and identified methodological challenges in trial design and conduct. Out of the fifteen studies identified, seven were comparative effectiveness trials. Methodological challenges included source of outcome data, treatment modality, attrition, and sample characteristics. The findings highlight the need for innovative and combined IPV treatment programmes to address associated issues such as substance use and trauma. The summary of methodological challenges will guide researchers in this field.