Patient Advocates’ Perspectives on the Care of Sexual Assault Survivors in Chicago-Area Emergency Departments

Emergency departments (EDs) providing care and forensic examinations for sexual assault (SA) survivors are often supported by SA patient advocates. This study explored advocates’ perspectives regarding problems and potential solutions in SA patient care through a focus group with 12 advocates. Thema...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Violence against women 2023-02, Vol.29 (2), p.370-387
Main Authors: Chalmers, Kristen D., Parameswaran, Ramya, Dussault, Nicole E., Farnan, Jeanne M., Oyola, Sonia, Carter, Keme
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Advocacy
Chicago
Emergency Service, Hospital
Emergency services
Examiners
Humans
Optimism
Patient Advocacy
Patients
Physical examinations
Sex crimes
Sex Offenses
Survivor
Survivors
Victims of crime
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Summary:Emergency departments (EDs) providing care and forensic examinations for sexual assault (SA) survivors are often supported by SA patient advocates. This study explored advocates’ perspectives regarding problems and potential solutions in SA patient care through a focus group with 12 advocates. Thematic analysis identified two major themes: provider–patient interactions and ED–hospital systems. Challenging aspects of provider–patient interactions included (a) provider attitudes and (b) disempowering behaviors. Within ED–hospital systems, themes included time constraints, efficiencies, and hospital preparation. Advocates surveyed were optimistic about an increased presence of SA nurse examiners and enhanced protocols and provider training to improve survivors’ experiences.
ISSN:1077-8012
1552-8448
DOI:10.1177/10778012221097140