Videotape Series for Teaching Physicians to Evaluate Sexually Abused Children

• NCJ Number: 206988
• Journal: Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 13 Issue: 1 Dated: 2004 Pages: 87-97
• Author(s): Jerry G. Jones; Judy Garrett; Toss Worthington
• Editor(s): Robert Geffner Ph.D.
• Date Published: 2004
• Length: 11 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Training
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examines the effectiveness of training videotapes for physicians on the medical evaluation of sexually abused children in relation to retention, as well as the completion of the continuing education videotape series program.

Abstract

Literature has repeatedly emphasized the importance of training and continuing education in the medical evaluation of sexually abused children. To determine whether a videotape series would be an effective method of providing continuing education for physicians, a free videotape subscription series was offered and utilized to assist in increasing the knowledge of general physicians in clinical practice regarding the medical evaluation of sexually abuse children. The videotape series was provided to practicing physicians in a rural state where there are few forensic sexual abuse examiners and medical evaluations are commonly performed by primary care pediatric physician, family physicians, and emergency medicine physicians. Of the 65 physicians requesting the first tape in the series only 39 completed the tape and of those 39 completing the first tape, 14 completed the entire five tape series. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the tapes in terms of immediate retention and to evaluate the overall use, attrition, and variables related to program completion, thereby shaping the future of continuing education series. Results indicate that the videotape subscription series was an effective means of providing continuing education for physicians who participate. Positive comments by physicians suggest that the tapes were effective in providing much-needed information. Overall, the study provides new information regarding a unique form of continuing education of practicing physicians, as well as it seems to be an effective means of increasing generalist physician knowledge about child sexual abuse medical evaluations for those who participated. References