Fundamental
Criteria
The
practice guidelines provided in Virginias Healthcare Response to Sexual
Assault: Guidelines for the Acute Care of Adult and Post-Pubertal Adolescent
Sexual Assault Patients are organized around four fundamental
criteria for a model healthcare response to sexual assault.
I.
The physical and emotional needs of sexual assault patients are recognized and
addressed to minimize additional trauma.
This
section focuses on PATIENT
CARE PRIORITIES:
Addressing
physical and emotional trauma throughout the healthcare
visit
Addressing
safety, privacy, and physical comfort needs
Coordination
with sexual assault crisis centers to provide emotional support and other
assistance
II.
Healthcare facilities treating sexual assault patients establish and promote a
patient-centered model of care.
This
section focuses on PROVIDER
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Utilizing
providers with training in caring for sexual assault
patients
Respect
for patient autonomy
Providing
information and obtaining consent
Accommodating
the individual needs of patients
III.
Healthcare facilities provide medical services to sexual assault patients and
promote a continuum of care through planning for and/or providing follow-up
services, regardless of the time elapsed since the assault or whether a forensic
exam is performed.
This
section focuses on MEDICAL
SERVICES:
Medical
screening
Testing
and treatment for STIs/HIV
Emergency
contraception
Toxicology
testing
Discharge
instructions, referrals, and follow-up services
IV.
Healthcare facilities support the provision of competent, high quality forensic
services to sexual assault patients.
This
section focuses on FORENSIC
SERVICES:
Collecting
and preserving forensic evidence and maintaining chain of
custody
Preparation
of facilities and providers to provide quality forensic
services
Collaboration and coordination in the community response to sexual assault