The forensic focus has been a popular career choice and area of study for many of the health science disciplines. Forensic nursing education recently appeared in the curriculum at many colleges and universities. Now more than a decade from when some of the first forensic nursing courses were established, it was timely to explore rather than evaluate this unique specialty that has programs existing at every post-secondary educational level from certificate to doctoral programs. <p>The purpose of the study was to explore forensic nursing knowledge as a specialty area of study, and factors influencing educational development, as perceived by educators who were instrumental in establishing some of the earliest forensic nursing courses or programs. This predominantly qualitative study involved interviewing a purposive sample of nurse educators from Canada and the United States. Data collection involved an email survey to collect demographic information about the educators and course statistics about the programs they created, in addition to a qualitative, semi-structured telephone interview. <p>I utilized a thematic analysis to compare the data to literature relevant to the study, which included the historical evolution of forensic nursing along a sequential pattern of specialty development. I drew on my constructivist worldview to understand and interpret the responses. Although exploring forensic nursing provided a starting place for inquiry, the purpose of the research question was not only to describe what is but to consider the larger socio-technical, media, and economic forces influencing the educational development of this forensic specialty and then to link particular experiences into wider generalized and generalizing social relations. <p>One result of this study was a definition of forensic nursing constructed from the data and compared to earlier definitions in the literature. A further differentiation of forensic nursing determined knowledge that was different from nursing in general, and different from other forensic disciplines, a distinction that has significance for interprofessional education. In addition, it was determined that the unique knowledge content of forensic nursing may be the dual knowledge or dual roles of care and concepts specific to each subspecialty, for example: care and custody, care and collection of evidence, care and chain of custody, care and court room testimony, or care and crisis intervention. <p>In the early years of forensic nursing education development, it became evident that more than one positive factor was needed to create and maintain new specialty programs that were not then recognized as future mainstay programs. Therefore, from the constructivist worldview, multiple perspectives exist, and multiple and alternative factors are recognized to have influenced practice, education, and research in any discipline. From a constructivist interpretation to the findings of this study, all factors have relevance as all are needed for specialty programs to be developed and sustained.

The forensic focus has been a popular career choice and area of study for many of the health science disciplines. Forensic nursing education recently appeared in the curriculum at many colleges and universities. Now more than a decade from when some of the first forensic nursing courses were established, it was timely to explore rather than evaluate this unique specialty that has programs existing at every post-secondary educational level from certificate to doctoral programs. <p>The purpose of the study was to explore forensic nursing knowledge as a specialty area of study, and factors influencing educational development, as perceived by educators who were instrumental in establishing some of the earliest forensic nursing courses or programs. This predominantly qualitative study involved interviewing a purposive sample of nurse educators from Canada and the United States. Data collection involved an email survey to collect demographic information about the educators and course statistics about the programs they created, in addition to a qualitative, semi-structured telephone interview. <p>I utilized a thematic analysis to compare the data to literature relevant to the study, which included the historical evolution of forensic nursing along a sequential pattern of specialty development. I drew on my constructivist worldview to understand and interpret the responses. Although exploring forensic nursing provided a starting place for inquiry, the purpose of the research question was not only to describe what is but to consider the larger socio-technical, media, and economic forces influencing the educational development of this forensic specialty and then to link particular experiences into wider generalized and generalizing social relations. <p>One result of this study was a definition of forensic nursing constructed from the data and compared to earlier definitions in the literature. A further differentiation of forensic nursing determined knowledge that was different from nursing in general, and different from other forensic disciplines, a distinction that has significance for interprofessional education. In addition, it was determined that the unique knowledge content of forensic nursing may be the dual knowledge or dual roles of care and concepts specific to each subspecialty, for example: care and custody, care and collection of evidence, care and chain of custody, care and court room testimony, or care and crisis intervention. <p>In the early years of forensic nursing education development, it became evident that more than one positive factor was needed to create and maintain new specialty programs that were not then recognized as future mainstay programs. Therefore, from the constructivist worldview, multiple perspectives exist, and multiple and alternative factors are recognized to have influenced practice, education, and research in any discipline. From a constructivist interpretation to the findings of this study, all factors have relevance as all are needed for specialty programs to be developed and sustained.

Aim: The aim of the study was to describe the forensic role behaviour and expectations of the nurses working in the emergency departments. Design: An exploratory descriptive survey was used, using the quantative approach. The respondents comprised of registered and enrolled nurses who were registered with South African Nursing Council (SANC) and had the minimum of 6 months experience in the emergency department (ED). The emergency departments of two provincial and two private hospitals as well as two comprehensive care clinics were used. Instrument: A survey was conducted using a questionnaire consisting of forty items. The questionnaire was designed to describe the forensic role behaviour and expectations of nurses working in the ED. Data analysis: The quantative data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) program version 11.5 Findings: The findings revealed that the emergency department (ED) nurses were not certain about their role regarding forensic nursing. Most of the tasks to be performed by the ED nurses were rated as never done or seldom done. The reason was due to lack of training and knowledge in the field of forensic nursing. The ED nurses strongly felt that forensic nursing was very important to their daily activities especially in the emergency departments where they handle the trauma victims and suspects. Recommendations were suggested for the nursing practice, nurse educators and for future research in an attempt to expose the emergency nurses to forensic practice. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2006.

Thesis (Ph.D. in Nursing) -- University of Colorado Denver, 2008. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 122-135). Free to UCD Anschutz Medical Campus. Online version available via ProQuest Digital Dissertations;

Purpose &lt;br&gt;The purpose of this study was to provide an understanding of the self-perceived physiological and psychosocial needs of persons living in communities which have been exposed to environmental contamination, and to provide an understanding of how forensic nurses can be utilized in these communities. &lt;br&gt;Background &lt;br&gt;This study was conducted to provide an opportunity for forensic nurses to advance their profession by finding ways that they can move beyond their traditional roles. Dixon and Dixon's Integrative Environmental Health Model was the theoretical framework. &lt;br&gt;Research Design &lt;br&gt;This cross-sectional triangulated study used quantitative and qualitative methods. The Community Environmental Health and Rights Assessment Tool (CEHRAT) was used to elicit quantifiable responses. One-on-one qualitative interviews were then conducted. &lt;br&gt;Participants and Data Collection and Analysis &lt;br&gt;Questionnaires were completed by 198 participants (109 from Ellenville, New York, and 89 from South Plainfield, New Jersey). For the qualitative phase, six residents were interviewed. &lt;br&gt;All persons who completed the questionnaire received a $5 gift card and an environmental resource pamphlet. The quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS. The qualitative data was managed with Weft QDA. &lt;br&gt;Results &lt;br&gt;The majority of participants in each community were `Somewhat satisfied' with the environmental information they receive (32.4% for Ellenville and 53.5% for South Plainfield). Two-thirds of the respondents in both communities said they know little or nothing about environmental contamination in their community. Over ninety-six percent of respondents indicated that they would trust nurses to provide environmental information if the nurses were experienced in such matters. Over ninety-eight percent of respondents stated they would trust forensic nurses. Eighty-five percent of respondents wanted educational information so they could protect themselves from contamination. The qualitative data revealed themes that buttressed the quantitative results: a lack of knowledge; the negative impact of politics, economics, and personal finances on remediating contamination; the need for outside help; and the belief that nurses can help affected communities by providing education, treatment, and investigation. &lt;br&gt;Conclusions &lt;br&gt;Forensic nurses can benefit communities that have been environmentally contaminated. In addition to advancing their profession, forensic nurses can be catalysts for change. / School of Nursing / Nursing / PhD / Dissertation

A violência se caracteriza como um fenômeno complexo e multifacetário, envolvendo aspectos relacionados a fatores biológicos e às interações sociais do indivíduo, reforçando a ideia da necessidade de uma abordagem multiprofissional para este problema de saúde pública. A proximidade dos profissionais de saúde às vítimas de violência e aos agressores tem sido parte do cotidiano da enfermagem. Reconhecer esse fenômeno, identificar seus elementos e peculiaridades e atender com competências as vítimas ou seus perpetradores são desafios para a equipe de enfermagem. Sendo assim, é de extrema relevância lançar mão de instrumentos de medida do conhecimento de estudantes sobre enfermagem forense. Este estudo, metodológico, com abordagem quantitativa, teve o objetivo de descrever o processo de validação do Questionário de Conhecimento sobre Práticas de Enfermagem Forense. A pesquisa foi conduzida em uma Universidade do Interior paulista, com alunos de graduação em enfermagem. Empregou-se os métodos de adaptação cultural, adaptação semântica pelo modelo DISABIKDS® e análises das propriedades psicométricas (validação de construto convergente e divergente pela analise multitraço multimétodo; consistência interna dos itens e subescalas pelos Kuder -Richardson-20; reprodutibilidade pelo coeficiente Kappa e Coeficiente de Correlação Intra Classe). O instrumento adaptado, em seu processo de validação semântica, mostrou boa aceitação, relevância, clareza e fácil compreensão de seus itens pela maioria dos avaliadores. Nas análises psicométricas os resultados apontaram valores satisfatórios para a fidedignidade do instrumento (estatística KR-20 escore global de 0,732; houve variação entre as subescalas tendo a de Preservação de Vestígios Forenses escore de 0,174 e a de Vestígios Forenses escore de 0,720). Pela estatística Kappa, 65 itens apresentaram estabilidade no teste e reteste, com variações de moderada a substancial para 48 destes (kappa > 0,40). O ICC global foi de 0,767, considerado bom ou substancial. Na análise multitraço multimétodo obteve-se baixa correlação dos itens em relação à dimensão a qual pertence, exceto para as subescalas Situaçoes Forenses e Vestigios Forenses. Sugere-se novas análises da validade do instrumento, com revisão dos aspectos teóricos e tamanho amostral / Violence is characterized as a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, involving aspects related to biological factors and social interactions of the individual, reinforcing the idea of the need for a multiprofessional approach to this public health problem. The proximity of health professionals to the victims of violence and to the aggressors has been part of the routine of nursing. Recognizing this phenomenon, identifying its elements and peculiarities and responding competently to the victims or their perpetrators are challenges for the nursing team. Thus, it is extremely relevant to use measuring instruments of students\' knowledge about forensic nursing. This methodological study, with a quantitative approach, aimed to describe the validation process of the Knowledge Questionnaire on Forensic Nursing Practices. The research was conducted at a University of the Interior of São Paulo, with undergraduate students in nursing. The methods of cultural adaptation, semantic adaptation by the DISABIKDS® model and analysis of the psychometric properties (convergent and divergent construct validation by multi-method multi-method analysis, internal consistency of items and subscales by the Kuder-Richardson-20, and Kappa coefficient reproducibility Coefficient of Intra Class Correlation). The adapted instrument, in its semantic validation process, showed good acceptance, relevance, clarity and easy comprehension of its items by most evaluators. In the psychometric analysis, the results indicated satisfactory values for the reliability of the instrument (KR-20 statistic overall score of 0.732; there was variation between subscales, with Forensic Vestiges Preservation score of 0.174 and Forensic Vestiges score of 0.720). By Kappa statistic, 65 items presented stability in the test and retest, with variations of moderate to substantial for 48 of these (kappa> 0.40). The overall ICC was 0.767, considered good or substantial. In the multi-method multi-method analysis, a low correlation of items was obtained in relation to the dimension to which it belongs, except for the Forensic Situations and Forensic Vestiges For subscales. Further analysis of the validity of the instrument is suggested, with a review of theoretical aspects and sample size.

No description available.

The response of community members and public institutions to the crimes of rape and sexual assault have been, historically, disappointing. Victims have felt forced into silence, ashamed to speak out about their experiences. More recently, with the rise of social media use and the #me-too movement, attention and interest has been garnered for this unique class of crimes and victims. It has been discovered that victims of sexual assault who report their assault to community members, police investigators, and health care workers are at risk of secondary victimization. This is a series of attitudes, behaviors, and practices that retraumatizes, shames, and blames victims of sexual assault. These behaviors contribute to increased levels of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, shame, self-blame, lack of perpetrator prosecution, and more. The purpose of this thesis was to evaluate the causes and effects of secondary victimization, its extent and prevalence, specifically how young adult females were affected by this issue, and any potential programs or solutions that may reduce or limit secondary victimization. This aim was achieved by reviewing and synthesizing thirty-two research articles related to issues of women's health, secondary victimization, and sexual assault or rape. Several programs were found to show promise for reducing this phenomenon, including sexual assault nurse examiner programs, victim advocates, professional counseling, and improving the education of police investigators and others involved in interactions with sexual assault victims.

Thesis advisor: Ann W. Burgess / Sexual assault (SA) is the most widely underreported violent crime in the United States. Reporting is significant because it is through this process that people access resources that can mitigate psychiatric and other health consequences of SA. The purpose of this study was to describe regret among individuals who have experienced SA regarding their decision of whether or not to report the assault to the police. The Ottawa Decision Support Framework underpins this study and posits that evaluation of regret, a powerful negative emotion, influences the decision-making process. The sample included 78 individuals, 18-25 years, who experienced SA during the past five years. Participants completed a 34-item, electronic questionnaire. A multiple regression model was generated to describe how selected independent variables explain variation in levels of regret. In the final model, the following, combined independent variables accounted for 33.3% (adjusted R2) of the variation in levels of regret: Weight change, the only variable associated with increased regret, was the most significant and accounted for the greatest amount of variance, followed by stranger assailant, seeking professional treatment, and reporting, which were associated with decreased regret. On average, people who chose to report their assault experienced less regret regarding their decision to do so as compared to people who did not report. This research fills a gap in the nursing, psychiatric, and victimology literature and improves clinical practice by describing post-decisional regret. The findings from this study provide a foundation for future research on the development of strategies (e.g., the development of decision-making tools) that nurses and other clinicians can use to assist people with their decision-making. Additionally, the findings can contribute to the development of a midrange, nursing theory of regret. / Thesis (PhD) — Boston College, 2010. / Submitted to: Boston College. Connell School of Nursing. / Discipline: Nursing.

The focus of this retrospective, descriptive study is to describe non-anogenital and anogenital injuries documented in over 5,000 sexual assault forensic medical examination (SAFME) reports of female patients. The study findings expand understanding of injuries documented following sexual assault by exploring associations between injuries and a multitude of variables: patient demographics (age, race, gender); time between assault and examination; patient-perpetrator relationship; perpetrator actions (strangulation, hit, verbally threatened/coerced, use of restraints, grabbed/held); number of assaultive acts; multiple-perpetrators; suspected drug-facilitated assaults; patient and perpetrator use of alcohol and drugs; and physically or mentally impaired patients. The various types and locations of injuries are discussed in relationship to assault history. Implications of findings on forensic nursing practice are shared to improve patient assessment and care. In addition, methods to share findings with interdisciplinary partners, including law enforcement and criminal justice system professionals, are described to improve interdisciplinary collaboration and education.