NCJ Number
211486
Journal
Forensic Nursing Volume: 1 Issue: 2 Dated: Summer 2005 Pages: 57-64
Date Published
2005
Length
8 pages
Annotation
In-depth telephone interviews were conducted with a random sample of representatives from 110 Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) programs throughout the United States in 2004 to obtain information about program operations and services for sexual assault patients.
Abstract
Respondents, who were the most experienced SANE nurses from each program, were queried on program history; current structure, function, and operations; program goals and desired outcomes; and community relationships. The analysis of responses focused on whether there were significant differences in these four organizational features based on how long the programs had operated. Fifty-eight percent of the programs had emerged within the past 5 years, confirming literature reports of a rapid increase in SANE programs. Newer programs were more likely than older programs to have been established by joint task forces or through collaboration with other community groups. Programs that had operated more than 5 years had more staff and served more patients, reflecting organizational growth over time. Almost all of the programs were hospital-based, and most operated in designated spaces within the hospital. Programs begun within the past 5 years were more likely to be sharing space with other hospital services. Most programs emphasized quality medical care for victims and sensitive and efficient forensic evidence collection. Newer programs were more likely to mention evidence collection as their primary goal. Respondents consistently reported positive relationships with other community groups such as rape crisis centers, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors' offices, and other hospital personnel. 4 tables and 31 references