Forensic Nursing Care Research Articles

Cuidados de enfermagem forense aos homens adultos vítimas de violências sexuais: scoping review

Abstract Objective To map and synthetize evidence on forensic nursing care for adult men victims of sexual violence. Methods A scoping review in accordance with JBI method. The eligibility criteria included: Population - adult men aged 18 to 59 years old; Concept - forensic nursing care; and Context - sexual violence against an adult man treated in health services. The search was carried out in three stages by two researchers, with the participation of a third reviewer to solve doubts. Data collection was carried out from data sources using descriptors and keywords. For this review, the temporal and idiomatic cut-off was not updated. The Virtual Health Library (VHL), Nursing Database (BDENF), Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) via PubMed, CINAHL via Ebsco databases and gray literature were used. Data were systematically spread sheeted, and inductive content analysis was carried out on 16 included studies. Synthesis of results was presented using charts, infographics and diagrams. Results It focused on compassionate care and helping relationship, subjective data recording, need to remove the victim’s clothes, head-foot examination, injury recording on body diagrams, photographic records, forensic trace collection and preservation, oropharyngeal collection, penile, scrotal and anorectal swabs. Care related to colposcopy, use of Wood’s lamp and anoscopy was mapped. Conclusion Situations of sexual violence against men, although little addressed, can occur frequently in everyday life, which implies the recognition of care that can promote welcoming in order to preserve their integrity and reduce trauma arising from this situation as well as guaranteeing forensic trace recording.

Forensic nursing care for adult male victims of sexual violence: a scoping review

Resumo Objetivo Mapear e sintetizar evidências sobre a assistência de enfermagem forense a homens adultos vítimas de violência sexual. Métodos Scoping review de acordo com o método JBI. Os critérios de elegibilidade incluíram: População – homens adultos com idade entre 18 e 59 anos; Conceito – assistência de enfermagem forense; e Contexto – violência sexual contra homem adulto atendido em serviços de saúde. A busca foi realizada em três etapas por dois pesquisadores, com a participação de um terceiro revisor para sanar dúvidas. A coleta de dados foi realizada a partir de fontes de dados por meio de descritores e palavras-chave. Para esta revisão, o corte temporal e idiomático não foi atualizado. Foram utilizadas as bases de dados Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), Base de Dados de Enfermagem (BDENF), Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) via PubMed, CINAHL via Ebsco e literatura cinzenta. Os dados foram sistematicamente divulgados e foi realizada análise de conteúdo indutiva em 16 estudos incluídos. A síntese dos resultados foi apresentada por meio de gráficos, infográficos e diagramas. Resultados Centrou-se no cuidado compassivo e na relação de ajuda, registro de dados subjetivos, necessidade de retirada da roupa da vítima, exame de cabeça e pés, registro de lesões em diagramas corporais, registros fotográficos, coleta e preservação de vestígios forenses, coleta de orofaringe, swabs penianos, escrotais e anorretais. Foram mapeados cuidados relacionados à colposcopia, ao uso da lâmpada de Wood e à anuscopia. Conclusão Situações de violência sexual contra homens, embora pouco abordadas, podem ocorrer com frequência no cotidiano, o que implica o reconhecimento de cuidados que possam promover o acolhimento, a fim de preservar sua integridade e reduzir traumas decorrentes dessa situação, bem como garantir o registro do rastreio forense.

Development and evaluation of a forensic nursing competency-based hybrid simulation education program: A quasi-experimental design

AimThis study aimed to develop and validate the effectiveness of a hybrid simulation education program designed to enhance the forensic nursing competency of emergency department nurses. BackgroundEmergency nurses often bear the responsibility of conducting forensic nursing assessments and interventions, such as patient recognition and evidence collection, to safeguard patients' legal rights, given their frequent encounters with emergency department patients. Simulation methods have proven effective in training for forensic nursing care. However, there is still a need for the development of forensic nursing education using simulation methods. DesignThis study employed a one-group pre-test/post-test quasi-experimental design. A four-hour simulation education program was developed based on the analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation model, with a focus on enhancing forensic nursing competency. MethodsNurses with more than six months of clinical experience in the emergency department in South Korea were divided into an experimental group (n=23) and a baseline comparison group (n=24). Both groups completed self-evaluations of their forensic nursing competency through a survey. The experimental group underwent the simulation education program, and their forensic nursing performance was evaluated before and after the program. Following the training, participants completed a questionnaire to assess their forensic nursing competency and satisfaction with the program. ResultsThe initial forensic nursing competency of the experimental and baseline comparison groups was found to be similar. However, the forensic nursing competency and performance of the experimental group exhibited significant improvement after the training. Regarding program evaluation, the average scores on a 5-point scale were as follows: theoretical lecture (4.79 SD 0.27), simulation education (4.78 SD 0.29), simulation design (4.42 SD 0.45), and satisfaction with the educational program (4.82 SD 0.28). ConclusionsThe forensic nursing competency-based simulation education program herein improved the relevant competency and performance of emergency nurses.

Emergency Department Presentations of Strangulation in Intimate Partner Violence Relationships: A Case Report.

Patients presenting to the emergency department after strangulation are in need of specialized care and treatment. Patient presentations after nonfatal strangulations vary dramatically; however, regardless of variation, no assumptions should be made about the seriousness of the injury. The clinician's goal should be a thorough assessment and evaluation, followed by treatment in accordance with individual patient needs. One way to ensure this comprehensive care is through the implementation of forensic nursing care and a detailed nonfatal strangulation assessment. In this case report, three different cases of women who reported to the emergency department after strangulation by their intimate partners are presented. Although all three patients presented differently, it is imperative to remember that not all patients present in the same manner, and therefore, bias associated with lack of injury, or presentation with injury, should not deter the treatment provided.

Forensic nursing in South Korea: Assessing emergency nurses’ awareness, experience, and education needs

• Most Korean emergency department nurses lacked adequate forensic nursing knowledge. • Consequently, they were unprepared to provide appropriate forensic nursing care. • Simulation and continuous education methods were the most preferred by Korean nurses. • Country-specific forensic nursing education programs should be developed.

Evolution of Forensic Nursing Theory--Introduction of the Constructed Theory of Forensic Nursing Care: A Middle-Range Theory.

The constructed theory of forensic nursing care is a middle-range nursing theory developed from the integrated practice model for forensic nursing science, a conceptual framework. Theory evolution was achieved following a critique of the conceptual framework and through inductive and deductive reasoning. A review of nursing theory growth and significance of middle-range theories is presented as background information in understanding the importance of this emerging forensic nursing middle-range theory. The philosophical and theoretical foundations of forensic nursing are bolstered with the addition of three nursing theories, two healthcare models and one social theory. Links are made between theory components and the current state of forensic nursing. Assumptions and concepts are clearly defined. The middle-range theory provides three testable propositions to frame forensic nursing practice, education, and research. Research conducted on the propositions will expand the forensic nursing scientific base leading to enhanced evidence-based practice. A pictorial model illustrates the propositions as relational statements. The constructed theory of forensic nursing care affirms the focus of forensic nursing care is on the nurse-patient relationship and improved health outcomes. Additional results of forensic nursing care are improved forensic science and criminal justice system outcomes.

Laying the Foundation for the National TeleNursing Center: Integration of the Quality-Caring Model Into TeleSANE Practice.

In 2012, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program was awarded a grant from the Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime, to pilot the use of telemedicine technology to extend the reach of SANE expertise to six diverse communities across the United States. To meet the goals of this project, the National TeleNursing Center (NTC) developed a three-phase professional practice model integrating the Quality-Caring Model (QCM) to support the delivery of NTC teleSANE services. Using the QCM as a foundation for teleSANE practice ensures that patients experiencing a recent sexual assault who participate in teleSANE encounters receive quality forensic nursing care. In this article, we briefly review elements of the QCM, describe the application of the model to the NTC Professional Practice Model, and detail how teleSANEs integrate the QCM Caring Behaviors into all three phases of its model. The NTC Professional Practice Model provides a quality-based teleSANE model that may be translatable to other areas of telenursing practice.

Infusing Social Justice in Undergraduate Nursing Education: Fostering Praxis Through Simulation.

Forensic clinical experiences are often inconsistent in undergraduate nursing education. Nursing students are not included in the process of forensic evidence collection, often because of the sensitive nature of the situation. Unfortunately, nursing students are forced to rely on theoretical knowledge provided by the nurse educator to understand the complexities of forensic nursing care. Nursing students must be able to identify and provide appropriate nursing care for individuals in all forensic situations. Comprehensive clinical laboratory experiences should be provided through active teaching-learning strategies, which replicate nursing care of the forensic patient. Simulated patient experiences provide a unique opportunity to explore the sensitive nature of sexual trauma in a safe learning environment. This strategy facilitates the application of theoretical forensic principles by utilizing live actors or high-fidelity manikins in laboratory settings. The application of theory to each simulated patient infuses conceptual knowledge at the point of care. Change in social consciousness begins at the bedside. The moral imperative of nursing continues to be the preparation of socially responsible, professional nurses who strive to end social injustices.

Validation of the verbal and social interaction questionnaire: nurses' focus in the nurse–patient relationship in forensic nursing care

There is a need to develop a questionnaire that measures nurses' verbal and social interactions (VSI) with their patients from the nurses' perspective as well as from the patients' perspective in the psychiatric and especially in the forensic psychiatric field. The major aim of the present study was to determine the construct validity and the internal consistency reliability of the VSI questionnaire. The study had a methodological and developmental design and was carried out in four steps: construction of the items, face validity, data collection and data analysis. The number of items was reduced from 50 to 21. The factor analysis of the final 21 items resulted in three quite distinct factors, namely, 'inviting the patient to establish a relationship', 'showing interest in the patients' feelings, experiences and behaviour' and 'helping the patients to establish structure and routines in their everyday life'. The results showed satisfactory psychometric properties in terms of content validity, construct validity and the internal consistency reliability of the questionnaire.

The challenges forensic nurses face when their patient is comatose

Since 1996, the American Nurses Association has recognized forensic nursing as a formal specialty. Despite this recognition, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners and Emergency Department nurses struggle with incorporating evidence collection into the care they give the unconscious or comatose patient they suspect has been sexually assaulted. Through case example, this article provides an abbreviated review of the circumstances under which these patients present for care, current challenges, and barriers in upholding the standard of forensic nursing care, as well as proposed interventions for the practicing forensic nurse.

The challenges forensic nurses face when their patient is comatose: Addressing the needs of our most vulnerable patient population

Since 1996, the American Nurses Association has recognized forensic nursing as a formal specialty. Despite this recognition, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners and Emergency Department nurses struggle with incorporating evidence collection into the care they give the unconscious or comatose patient they suspect has been sexually assaulted. Through case example, this article provides an abbreviated review of the circumstances under which these patients present for care, current challenges, and barriers in upholding the standard of forensic nursing care, as well as proposed interventions for the practicing forensic nurse.

Swedish forensic nursing care: nurses' professional contributions and educational needs.

Nurses (registered nurses, RN, and licensed mental nurses, LMN) working in five Swedish forensic psychiatric units filled in a questionnaire designed for general psychiatric nursing, but modified for forensic use. In this report, data regarding how nursing care could contribute to improved care and the organizational changes needed and what knowledge the nurses need, in order to be able to meet the demands in the future, were analysed by means of content analysis. The salient findings were: (i) an interpersonal patient-nurse relationship based on trust, empathy, respect and responsibility for the patients' personal resources and knowledge seems to be the essence of nursing care and a way to improve care; and (ii) the nurses' educational needs emanate from different treatment modalities, how to perform different treatments, how to establish developing relationships and in-service training adapted to the ward-specific problems.