An innovative trauma-informed curriculum for sexual assault care

Abstract

Background: Sexual violence is a pervasive public health concern. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing recommends that nursing education comprehensively address this topic, yet nursing schools are inconsistent in doing so. Method: An innovative, holistic curriculum that includes didactic and simulation exercises was developed to educate nurses on a trauma-informed approach to providing care for individuals who have experienced sexual violence. The 2-day course trained both advanced practice nurses and advanced practice nursing students. Results: The course increased participants' knowledge of how to provide trauma-informed sexual assault care and increased interest in the field of sexual assault forensic nursing. Conclusion: A comprehensive sexual assault care curriculum and the use of standardized patients to develop trauma-informed communication skills are effective and acceptable to learners. This novel curriculum can serve as a model to incorporate sexual assault care training in nursing education.