Improving the Forensic Documentation of Injuries Through Alternate Light: A Researcher-Practitioner Partnership.

Area of Science:

• Forensic Nursing
• Medical Documentation Technology

Background:

• Alternate light source (ALS) technology offers potential for improved injury documentation in interpersonal violence cases.
• Current forensic medical examinations lack evidence-based guidelines for incorporating ALS skin assessments.
• There is a need to align ALS use with forensic nursing practice, trauma-informed care, and criminal justice requirements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a translation-into-practice project focused on developing and evaluating an ALS implementation program.
• To improve the assessment and documentation of bruises in adult patients with a history of interpersonal violence.
• To support evidentiary findings for victims and promote equitable forensic nursing practices.

Main Methods:

• A researcher-practitioner collaboration employing theory-based approaches.
• Focus on a translation-into-practice project for ALS implementation.
• Evaluation of an ALS program to enhance bruise assessment and documentation.

Main Results:

• The project aims to provide evidentiary support for victims of violence.
• The initiative seeks to enhance the accuracy of bruise documentation.
• The program is designed to benefit diverse patient populations through equitable forensic nursing.

Conclusions:

• Developing evidence-based guidelines for ALS use in forensic nursing is crucial.
• Implementing ALS technology can strengthen the forensic medical examination process.
• This project contributes to advancing forensic nursing practice and victim support.