Sexual assault forensic examiners' training and assessment using simulation technology

Area of Science:

• Forensic Nursing
• Emergency Medicine
• Medical Simulation

Background:

• Over 190,000 sexual assaults occur annually in the US, requiring forensic examinations for justice.
• Forensic examinations are critical for victim assessment, treatment, and evidence collection.
• Providing 24/7 forensic services is resource-intensive for healthcare facilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate an in-house training program for emergency department (ED) personnel to become novice forensic examiners.
• To improve the timely and standardized care of sexual assault victims within the ED setting.

Main Methods:

• Seventeen ED personnel underwent sexual assault nurse examiner training.
• Participants engaged in four simulation scenarios with debriefings.
• Competence was assessed using pre-tests, post-tests, and a skills checklist.

Main Results:

• Most participants achieved competence (≥85% on checklist) after their first simulation.
• Statistically significant knowledge gains were observed (pre-test mean 69.1 vs. post-test mean 84.4, P < .001).
• Participant course evaluations were highly favorable, averaging 91.3%.

Conclusions:

• Simulation technology and in-house cross-training effectively prepare ED personnel for sexual assault forensic examinations.
• A dedicated program enhances standardized care, evidence collection, and reporting/prosecution of sexual assault crimes.
• Checklists are valuable tools for assessing examiner competence independently.