AFN National Conference
Virtual Conference
Advancing the Global Practice of Forensic Nursing
November 7–8, 2024
CONFERENCE AGENDA
November 7, 2024
1100 – 1115 ET
Welcome
Presenter:
Debra Holbrook, AFN President
or Paul Thomas Clements, AFN President-Elect
1115 – 1215 ET
Silent Harm: Improving Access to Sexual Assault Treatment Units (SATUs) for the Deaf Community
Presenter:
Connie Mc Gilloway
Summary:
Deaf individuals face over twice the risk of experiencing domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence, yet encounter significant barriers in accessing support from Sexual Assault Treatment Units (SATUs) and Sexual Assault Response Teams (SART). Limited access to 24-hour Irish Sign Language (ISL) interpreters and a lack of Deaf cultural awareness among providers hinder a timely, effective response, sometimes causing revictimization. In 2020, an Advanced Nurse Practitioner at Donegal SATU collaborated with the Irish Deaf Society, Trinity College Dublin, the Rape Crisis Centre, and An Garda Síochána to improve access for the Deaf community. They introduced a text-based response system and an ISL-translated online guide detailing post-assault care, available on the SATU website and in-person, enhancing access and understanding for Deaf survivors.
1215 – 1230 ET
Break
1230 – 1330 ET
Managing a Mega Mass Casualty Event: The First Day of the Hamas-Israel War – A Nurse's Perspective
Presenter:
Orli Grinstein-Cohen, Shoshana Melech-Shalom
Summary:
On October 7, 2023, Israel faced a sudden attack by Hamas, resulting in over 1,200 deaths and more than 9,000 injuries. Soroka University Medical Center (SUMC), the sole level 1 trauma center near the conflict zone in Beer-Sheva, rapidly received casualties due to its close proximity to Gaza. From early morning until midnight, 676 casualties were treated at SUMC, all requiring a comprehensive biopsychosocial care approach. The nurses’ extensive training in mass casualty situations and their experience were essential to managing the crisis. This study aimed to document SUMC nurses’ experiences and their roles as de facto forensic leaders, highlighted through face-to-face interviews with two key nursing staff. One nurse described how colleagues arrived in pajamas, demonstrating their dedication. The nurses' bravery and expertise are presented as exemplary for global nursing standards.
1330 – 1345 ET
Break
1345 – 1445 ET
A New Role for Forensic Nurses: The Nurse-Police Assistance Crisis Team (N-PACT)
Presenter:
Victor Petreca
Summary:
This study examined forensic nurses' views and strategies in managing behavioral crises alongside law enforcement, highlighting differences from traditional responders. As police frequently handle behavioral crisis calls, the research aimed to inform a more integrated response. Conducted in the U.S. from 2022 to 2023 using Systems Theory, data were gathered from focus groups of police officers, mental health clinicians, sexual assault nurse examiners, and correctional nurses. Analysis revealed three phases of crisis response: 1) gathering historical information, 2) ensuring on-site safety, and 3) planning future interventions. Across all groups, safety and de-escalation were top priorities, but nurses demonstrated a more holistic approach, encompassing physical and mental health assessments, substance use, and injury evaluation. The study proposes a new role, the Nurse-Police Assistance Crisis Team (N-PACT), where forensic nurses enhance crisis response with medical and mental health expertise, especially in behavioral and drug-related incidents. This approach could improve crisis outcomes and resource allocation in law enforcement contexts.
1445 – 1500 ET
Break
1500 – 1600 ET
Animal Assisted Therapy in Medical Forensic Exams: Improving Patient Outcomes
Presenters:
Stephanie Payne, Christine Foote-Lucero, Erin Aschman, Christina Yannetsos
Summary:
Empirical studies on animal-assisted therapies for trauma patients show promising results, particularly in reducing PTSD risk. This study examined the use of a psychiatric service dog in the Emergency Department of a Level 1 Trauma Center, assisting a forensic nurse examiner during medical exams with trauma survivors—mainly survivors of child abuse, elder abuse, and sexual assault, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The presence of a service dog increased patient participation, reduced anxiety, and improved follow-up care. Results suggest that service dogs positively impact patients' physical and emotional well-being in trauma exams. Future research should expand on these findings with longitudinal studies, quantitative measures, and cost-benefit analyses to further establish animal-assisted interventions in trauma-informed care, especially for vulnerable populations.
1600 – 1615 ET
Break
1615 – 1715 ET
Blunt Cerebral Vascular Injuries: Deconstructing Dissections
Presenters:
Christine Foote-Lucero, Christina Yannetsos
Summary:
Blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI) refers to blunt trauma to the carotid and vertebral arteries, which can lead to serious neurological events like cerebral infarction or death if untreated. Though rare in strangulation cases, BCVI carries significant risks. Early detection and antithrombotic therapy can reduce post-injury stroke incidence. This presentation will introduce BCVI, cover its five grades, discuss evidence-based patient care, and review case studies of BCVI in strangulation.
1715 – 1730 ET
Closing
Presenter:
Debra Holbrook, AFN President
or Paul Thomas Clements, AFN President-Elect
November 8, 2024
1100 – 1115 ET
Welcome
Presenter:
Debra Holbrook, AFN President
or Paul Thomas Clements, AFN President-Elect
1115 – 1215 ET
An Irish Perspective: How Little Opportunities Can Have a Big Impact on Women's Health
Presenter:
Connie Mc Gilloway
Summary:
Cervical screening non-attendance is the leading risk factor for cervical cancer, with sexual violence survivors at higher risk due to decreased screening attendance. Research shows that women with histories of sexual trauma are less likely to participate in cervical screening programs, underscoring the need for trauma-informed approaches in healthcare. To address this, an Advanced Nurse Practitioner (Forensic Clinical Examiner) in rural Ireland initiated a cervical screening program within the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU) for women without a screening history or those delaying due to trauma. This program aims to recognize and reduce the impact of sexual violence on screening attendance by including opportunistic cervical screening as part of SATU follow-up care, empowering women through a trauma-informed approach to overcome complex barriers.
1215 – 1230 ET
Break
1230 – 1330 ET
Promoting Resilience Among Forensic Nurses Who Work in High-Risk Areas for Burnout
Presenter:
Rachel Thomas, Sandy Shapiro
Summary:
Forensic nurses face high stress, risking vicarious trauma, burnout, and job dissatisfaction, leading to high turnover and shortages. This study aims to understand why some nurses stay in the field, despite these challenges. Using interviews with experienced forensic nurses in sexual violence intervention, the study analyzes resilience factors through qualitative phenomenology and Neuman’s Systems Theory. By focusing on those who’ve treated 50+ survivors or worked in forensics for three+ years, it seeks insights to prevent burnout and improve retention, potentially benefiting other high-stress healthcare fields.
1330 – 1345 ET
Break
1345 – 1445 ET
Understanding and Responding to Workplace Violence
Presenter:
Stacey Mitchell
Summary:
Workplace violence is a significant risk in nursing, with many nurses experiencing violence from patients and visitors. Studies indicate that 21% of nurses have been physically assaulted, while 50% have been verbally abused (Kim et al., 2021). Emergency, psychiatric, family practice, and home health nurses face heightened risks. Such violence can lead to lasting impacts on nurses' mental and physical health, including headaches, chronic pain, PTSD, absenteeism, and burnout, while also negatively affecting patient safety and organizational culture. High turnover, low job satisfaction, and compromised patient care are common organizational consequences. Advanced forensic nurses have a unique role in addressing this issue, using documentation and intervention to enhance safety for nurses and patients. This presentation reviews literature on workplace violence, explores forensic nursing's impact, and discusses strategies for fostering positive change within healthcare organizations.
1445 – 1500 ET
Break
1500 – 1600 ET
Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Care for the Trans and Nonbinary Patient
Presenter:
Grace Frances, Tamara Jackson, michael munson
Summary:
Forensic exams can be particularly challenging for trans and non-binary survivors of sexual assault, who often face unique barriers to care. This session will guide nurses in providing respectful, trans-inclusive care, covering barriers these survivors face in forensic settings. It includes strategies for trans-sensitive history taking, charting, and exams, as well as practical resources like a patient simulation with a transgender male in the SAMFE Virtual Practicum, a free training tool for forensic exam skills and court testimony preparation.
1600 – 1615 ET
Break
1615 – 1715 ET
Consent & Alcohol Enabled and Drug Facilitated Assaults
Presenter:
Christine Foote-Lucero, Erin Aschman
Summary:
Consent is complex, especially when drugs or alcohol are involved in Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault (DFSA), which includes any substance that impairs a person’s ability to consent. Often termed “date rape drugs” or “drink spiking,” DFSA affects all genders but is underreported, partly due to shame and fear of stigmatization. About 75% of acquaintance sexual assaults involve substances, and alcohol is present in up to 75% of all sexual assaults, including half of college cases. Detection of DFSA drugs is challenging due to small doses and rapid metabolism. Forensic nurses must understand these factors, testing methods, and limitations in DFSA cases.
1715 – 1730 ET
Closing
Presenter:
Debra Holbrook, AFN President
or Paul Thomas Clements, AFN President-Elect
Continuing Education Disclosure
Purpose:
The purpose for the conference is two-fold. First, nurses, forensic nurses, and other health care providers need current, evidence-based education at the novice and the advanced level in order to promote innovative application of practice and research in the multidisciplinary work with victims of violence across the lifespan. Second, novice and expert forensic providers need opportunities to highlight and share their innovative EBP. To meet this purpose, novice and expert presenters from the U.S. and Internationally – four U.S. regions (East, Central, Mountain, Pacific/Alaska/Hawaii) and international – were chosen for this two-day conference.
Criteria for Successful Completion:
Participants will attend live on November 7 & 8, 2024. Recordings will be available one week after the live session and will be available for asynchronous viewing through February 8, 2025.
-
Participants will need to attend a minimum of 90% of each presentation session that they wish to obtain credit for and complete an attestation/verification statement of attendance.
-
Upon completion of live date attendance, a CE certificate for up to 12.25 contact hours will be awarded. This is commensurate with participation.
-
Live and asynchronous attendees will be confirmed by combination of Zoom attendance reports and attestation statements. Completion of a post-attendance survey is also expected.
Disclosures:
There is no relevant financial disclosure with ineligible companies for any program planner or presenter involved with this activity.
The Academy of Forensic Nursing is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development with by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.