Investigation in forensic nursing: trajectories and possibilities of action

Abstract

To theorize and reflect on the possibilities of the forensic nurse’s performance, emphasizing the work as a civil and criminal expert, based on the Brazilian legislation, ethical principles, and comprehensive care for human beings. This is a theoretical study of exploratory nature with reflective and critical characteristics. It was based on the history of the national and international development of the forensic nursing specialty. It is organized into four categories, namely: areas of practice of forensic nurses in North American countries; state-of-the-art North American forensic nursing and the Brazilian reality, and nursing action in the face of violence. This way, international history, national panorama, and in-depth theoretical study were concatenated. Evidence of the contribution of forensic nursing to criminal and civil areas points to the emerging need for implementation and recognition of this practice within the scope of forensic investigation in Brazil with the inclusion of the topic in undergraduate courses.

Forensic Nursing competencies in disasters situations: scoping review

“…As for the year, it was identified that the first publication was carried out in 1995 ( 17 ) , two new publications in 2001 ( 20 ) , one more in 2003 ( 21 ) and another in 2004 ( 22 ) , three publications in 2005 ( 38 ) one more was found, four in 2020 ( 43 ) and one in 2022 ( 44 ) .…”

“…With regard to language, 24 were published in English ( 38 ) . As for the location, 20 publications were ­produced in the United States of America (USA) ( 17 – 33 , 35 , 40 , 44 ) , three in Brazil ( 36 , 42 , 43 ) , three in India ( 34 , 39 – 41 ) and two in Japan ( 37 , 38 ) .…”

“…As for the mapping of forensic nurses competencies in disasters situations, 24 competencies were identified ­listing the three phases of disasters (pre-incident, incident and post-incident), as shown in Diagram ( Figure 2 ). Of these, leadership ( 18 , 20 , 24 , 25 , 31 – 33 , 35 , 44 ) , communication ( 18 , 20 – 22 , 24 – 28 , 31 , 33 , 35 , 38 , 39 , 43 ) , creativity ( 18 , 23 – 25 , 28 , 35 , 41 ) , sensitivity ( 28 , 41 , 44 ) , interpersonal relationship (teamwork and relationship with patients and family members) ( 21 – 28 , 30 , 31 , 33 , 35 – 37 , 39 , 40 , 42 – 44 ) , the compassionate care ( 22 , 24 , 37 , 39 , 44 ) and the helping relationship (holistic) ( 18 – 20 , 22 , 24 , 27 , 33 , 36 , 39 – 41 , 44 ) , as well as the planning/management of resources (predictive assessment) ( 18 – 28 , 31 – 37 , 39 , 40 , 42 ...…”

“…With regard to the competencies of the forensic nurse in the pre-incident phase (prevention/mitigation and preparation), the most noteworthy competencies comprise the situational diagnosis of risks (environmental and human) ( 18 , 23 , 25 , 27 , 28 , 32 , 33 , 35 – 40 , 44 ) , health education ( 21 , 31 , 32 , 35 , 37 , 38 , 44 ) and the promotion/prevention policies and interventions for people susceptible to disasters ( 21 , 37 , 42 ) . In the preparation phase, competencies were identified involving permanent education and training ( 17 – 28 , 30 – 33 , 35 , 37 , 39 , 42 , 44 ) , the link with the justice service ( 17 , 21 , 25 , 27 , 35 – 37 , 40 , 41 , 43 ) , respect for individuality and socio-cultural and religious aspects ( 24 , 25 , 32 , 33 , 35 , 37 , 39 , 44 ) and, maintenance of ethical and legal principles ( 21 , 25 , 27 , 28 , 32 , 39 , 43 , 44 ) .…”

“…In the incident response phase (response), direct care stood out with the competencies of Forensic Nursing (interview, forensic physical examination, basic and advanced trauma life support care) ( 17 – 25 , 27 , 28 , 30 – 41 , 44 ) , welcoming ( 17 , 19 , 22 , 24 , 25 , 27 , 35 , 39 , 41 , 43 ) , psycho-emotional care (emotional support for patients, family members, teams through prayer services, games with children, rest for professionals) ( 18 – 24 , 27 , 29 , 30 , 32 , 33 , 35 – 37 , 39 ) , the description, registration and documentation of persons with photography ( 17 , 21 , 22 , 25 , 30 – 32 , 34 , 35 , 37 , 39 , 40 , 43 , 44 ) , collection, preservation and storage of traces ( 17 , 21 , 22 , 24 , 25 , 28 , 30 , 32 , 33 , 35 – 40 , 43 , 44 ) , maintenance of the chain of custody ( 17 , 21 , 25 , 43 ) , identification and management of dead bodies ( 22 , 31 , 34 – 39 , …”