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Retrospective Study on Pain Reports and Treatments at Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examinations: Clinical Practice
Leslie W Miles1, Julie L Valentine2, Alyssa Hildt Moxley3
1Author Affiliations: Brigham Young University, Provo, UT.
Background:
Sexual assault (SA) nurse examiners conduct SA medical forensic examinations (SAMFEs), addressing pain assessment, documentation, and treatment. Limited research exists on patients' pain and related nursing interventions during SAMFEs.
Aim:
To evaluate patients' reported pain levels, locations, treatments, and implications for forensic nursing practice.
Methods:
Retrospective chart review (2017-2022) of 5,052 SAMFEs from five Mountain West sites included patients aged 14+, with unrestricted SA kit collection. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses identified predictors of pain reports and treatments.
Results:
Pain was reported by 63.1% of patients (mean score: 6/10). Common pain locations were anogenital (41%), abdomen/pelvis (28%), and head (26%). Age, gender, race, injuries, and assailant actions predicted pain reports. Despite documented pain (>4/10), 55.4% received no treatment. Predictors of treatment included age, injury severity, and SAMFE site.
Discussion:
SA nurse examiners should conduct thorough pain assessment, documentation, treatment, and reevaluation to improve patient outcomes.
