Emergency Contraception Administration, Toxicology Kit Use, and Postassault Reporting

Abstract

Sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs) are specially trained to meet the postassault medical forensic needs of sexual assault patients. However, there remains a dearth of literature comparing directly postassault service provision and action in cases treated by SANEs as compared to non-SANE medical providers. In this study, we compare rates of emergency contraception administration, toxicology kit use, reports to police at the time of examination, and mandatory child abuse reports among n = 3,969 sexual assault cases treated by SANEs and non-SANE medical providers. Compared to cases treated by non-SANE medical providers, cases treated by SANEs were significantly more likely to have emergency contraception administered, less likely to have a toxicology kit collected, less likely to have a police report filed at the time of examination, and more likely to have a mandatory child abuse report filed. Observed patterns suggest that non-SANE medical providers may find it difficult to balance the needs of the criminal justice system with those of their patients, whereas SANEs provide a tailored, comprehensive first response. We discuss the importance of consistent, accurate documentation and clearly defined protocols in the medical forensic response to sexual assault patients.

Educational Needs of U.S. Emergency Nurses Related to Forensic Nursing Processes

“…However, there is evidence that education and training in forensic nursing can improve the recognition of individuals who experience human trafficking (Scannell et al, 2018) and IPV (Scannell et al, 2018; Yildiz et al, 2014). Similarly, training for emergency nurses in the care of sexual assault patients not only decreased wait times but also demonstrated higher compliance on several important indicators of quality of care such as the completion of forensic kits, counseling provision, and pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease prophylaxis (Shaw & Coates, 2021). Forensic nursing education and training correlate with more positive attitudes toward individuals who experience sexual assault (Nielson et al, 2015) and progression through the criminal justice system (Campbell et al, 2014).…”

Forensic Nurses' Understanding of Emergency Contraception Mechanisms

“…Although SANEs do not specifically have a reproductive healthcare focus, they provide crucial patient education on medications including EC during SAMFEs. After sexual assault, SANEs have been shown to be more likely to provide EC than non-SANE providers (Shaw & Coates, 2021), emphasizing the importance for SANEs to have an accurate understanding of EC mechanisms. In a post Roe v. Wade climate, we evaluated SANEs' understanding of the mechanism of action of two oral EC options, LNG and UPA, both of which may be distributed as point-of-care therapy during SAMFEs.…”