IAFN TTA - Expanding Access to Sexual Assault Forensic Exams

Medical-forensic examinations are a critical part of any multidisciplinary response to sexual violence. Studies have shown that exams performed by SANEs may result in better health outcomes and in turn lead to higher prosecution rates. However, most communities do not have SANEs available and there are limited resources available to support communities striving to develop SANE programs. IAFN proposes to provide comprehensive training and technical assistance (T/TA) to OVC’s Purpose Area 1 grantees to ensure they have the information, guidance and support they need to develop, expand and sustain their SANE programs. IAFN and its partners will offer a full range of culturally-specific assistance, working closely with all grantees to ensure their programs develop, foster, and maintain patient-centered, trauma-informed, and evidence-based SANE programs. As the author of the Forensic Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice and the SANE Education Guidelines, IAFN and its Board-certified forensic nursing staff is uniquely poised to offer this T/TA.

 
The goal for this project is to utilize the expertise and experience of IAFN, its project partners and OVC to provide proactive, action-driven, flexible, victim-centered, trauma-informed T/TA to the selected SANE programs throughout the US and its territories. The primary activities, products and deliverables include: Identification of site-specific needs and an associated T/TA recommendation plans; Develop and deliver a full day workshop annually prior to the IAFN international conference of forensic nursing science and practice tailored to issues of program expansion and sustainability; Provide access to IAFNs online adult or pediatric SANE training for up to 28 clinicians; Provide review of any grantee SANE didactic training program to ensure it adheres to the IAFN SANE Education Guidelines; Provide two, two-day clinical skills laboratories annually for didactically prepared SANEs; Provide one SANE-A and SANE-P Board Certification Review Course annually; Develop gamified simulation training to improve critical thinking skills in developing a trauma-informed response to survivors regardless of age, stage of development, gender or special circumstances; Provide access to IAFNs online intimate partner violence nurse examiner (IPVNE) training for programs expanding to IPV for up to 28 clinicians; Provide access to monthly ECHO case review and bi-monthly webinars for SANEs and the multidisciplinary teams they work with; Create closed online communities where cross-communication, learning and networking can occur between programs, partners and the IAFN team; and house new resources on the existing IAFN safeta.org website; and assist sites in creating sustainability plans.