Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program Goals and Patient Care Practices

Abstract

Programs focused on prosecution as a primary goal were less likely to provide comprehensive services, especially those involving patient education. Such information is important for patients because their health concerns (e.g., pregnancy, STIs) have long-term implications for their well-being. Historical and structural differences among SANE programs might explain these different patient care practices. Researchers should examine the underlying processes in SANE programs that shape both their goals and patient care approaches.

Ethical Foundations for SANE Practice

“…18,20 SANE programs are significantly more likely to offer emergency contraception to victims. 18 This is important, as it is estimated that in the US approximately 32,000 pregnancies occur annually as a result of rape. 21 SANE programs are also more likely to offer prophylaxis for STIs (including HIV), discuss follow-up care, and respond to patients' emotional needs.…”

“…21 SANE programs are also more likely to offer prophylaxis for STIs (including HIV), discuss follow-up care, and respond to patients' emotional needs. 18 Evidence shows that SANEs can be more effective than non-SANE medical providers in preventing victim PTSD symptoms. 18,22,23,2,24 As with any new area of professional expertise there exist different approaches to the role of the SANE.…”

“…17 This is in contrast to what would typically occur without a trained SANE evidence collector -where if collected, samples might well only include less helpful conventional vaginal swabs. These forensically trained nurses also provide more comprehensive medical care, 14,18,19 improve justice delivery in sexual assaults, 19 and provide more holistic victim-centered care. 18,20 SANE programs are significantly more likely to offer emergency contraception to victims.…”

“…These forensically trained nurses also provide more comprehensive medical care, 14,18,19 improve justice delivery in sexual assaults, 19 and provide more holistic victim-centered care. 18,20 SANE programs are significantly more likely to offer emergency contraception to victims. 18 This is important, as it is estimated that in the US approximately 32,000 pregnancies occur annually as a result of rape.…”

Cinsel Saldırı Konusunda Çalışan Adli Hemşireye Duyulan Gereksinim

“…SA-NE programlar›, çocuk, genç ve yetiflkin yafllarda olabilen tüm ma¤durlara hizmet verebilmektedir. SANE, cinsel sald›r› olgular›nda, suça esas teflkil eden delillerin toplan›p dokümantasyonunun yap›lmas›n›n yan› s›ra, profilaktik tedavi, gebeli¤i önleyici tedbirler, ve fiziksel travmalar›n tan›mland›r›lmas›na yönelik, s›n›rl› t›bbi muayeneler de yapmaktad›r (30,31). SANE, ayr›ca da, muayeneden sonra gerçekleflecek aflamalar hakk›nda, ma¤durlara, ayd›nlat›c› bilgiler verebilmekte ve psikolojik destek aç›s›ndan, uzman hekimlerin yard›mlar›n› sa¤layabilmeye çal›flmaktad›r (32,33).…”