Date of Award
4-18-2024
Document Type
Doctoral Dissertation - Restricted (NYMC/Touro only) Access
Degree Name
Doctor of Public Health
Department
Public Health
First Advisor
Dr. Kenneth Knapp
Second Advisor
Dr. Patricia Patrick
Third Advisor
Dr. Tracy Feiertag
Abstract
Sexual Violence is a prevalent public health issue within the United States, impacting over half of women and almost one third of men. Following an assault, survivors have the option to go to the hospital for a forensic examination. The forensic examination consists of a head-to-toe examination where evidence is collected which is often done by a forensic examiner. Prior to the examination, these survivors will come into contact with Emergency Department providers. The present study assessed levels of knowledge and comfort caring for survivors of sexual violence among Physicians, Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants within Emergency Departments throughout New York located in Long Island, New York City, and Westchester County. Respondents (n=57) were anonymously surveyed and asked 23 Likert scale questions assessing knowledge and comfort as well as 3 short answer questions regarding potential barriers to knowledge and comfort. The survey replicated was a previously validated instrument used in a published study done in Illinois by Chandramani (2020). This study identified gaps in knowledge and comfort within this provider population, but there had not been a study that assessed this within New York. Previous research has looked at the impact of positive social support on survivors and the long-term effects it has on healing. If gaps in education, knowledge and comfort can be identified then new training can be implemented to increase these levels of knowledge and comfort. This would allow for the implementation of best practices caring for survivors – which will in turn allow for better physical, social, psychological, and economic outcomes within survivors and our society. A Bivariate analysis was conducted along with a thematic analysis, resulting in clear strengths and areas for improvement within the sample. Following the analysis, recommendations for practice and further research were provided.
Recommended Citation
Asher, Allison, "Providing Emergency Department Care to Survivors of Sexual Violence: An Assessment of the Comfort and Knowledge of Best Practices among Doctors, Nurse Practitioners, and Physician Assistants in LI, NYC, and Westchester." (2024). NYMC Student Theses and Dissertations. 69.
https://touroscholar.touro.edu/nymc_students_theses/69
