Leader: Dr Angela Williams

Offered

Clayton Second semester 2008 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

It is intended that this unit will provide the foundations to understanding adult sexual assault nursing alongside the unit FOR5001. Together these units will give the sexual assault nurse a broad understanding of managing adult sexual assault in their community. The unit is divided into key themes surrounding examination findings, specimen collection, therapeutics medicolegal issues, interagency liaison and developing a sexual assault service. Group and student-student facilitated learning is encouraged as students engage each other, exchange opinions and offer/receive peer review. The unit explores best practice models from national and international resources and requires the student to critically evaluate these and other journal articles provided. A national and international focus is maintained throughout as the student gains skills adaptable to professional opportunities interstate and overseas.

Objectives

Upon completion of this unit the student will be able to:

1. Identify, classify and interpret both body and genital injuries sustained by a sexual assault victim;
2. Understand the incidence and prevalence of injury patterns;
3. Develop a sound knowledge basis of the science and philosophy behind collecting forensic specimens as well as being able to practise competent and proficient collection techniques;
4. Apply best practice evidence based medicine when evaluating for, preventing and treating injuries, sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy alongside other issues in therapeutically managing a sexual assault victim;
5. Communicate effectively with other agencies involved in the management of a sexual assault case including the handling of sensitive information;
6. Identify special circumstances in which sexual assault occurs and be able to teach and responding to community attitudes surrounding these issues;
7. Critically analyse the role of the health professional in a sexual assault case and the complexities associated with this role; and
8. Apply the knowledge and skills gained from the combination of this and the prerequisite unit to aid in the establishment of a high quality 24 hour service to deal with sexual assault cases.

Assessment

Workbook Activities (20%)
Online Discussion (10%)
Case Presentations (20%)
Residential Participation (10%)
Case Study (40%)

Prerequisites

FOR5001