227 - Acute Pediatric Sexual Assault Management: Video Modules

Poster Number: 227
Publication Number: 227.402

Rida Sikander, Staten Island University Hospital, Burlington, NJ, United States; Dana Kaplan, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Staten Island, NY, United States

Background: Research and clinical practice have demonstrated that many new trainees and physicians experience both discomfort and a perceived knowledge gap when caring for pediatric patients who present after acute sexual assault (ASA) due to a lack of exposure. Patient communication, performing age-appropriate physical exams, medical management, and forensic evaluation are often not part of the curriculum in medical school or pediatric residency programs. 

Objective: In order to ameliorate this lack of exposure, we have implemented a trial educational activity consisting of a video module to educate on several topics surrounding ASA. This study aims to evaluate resident knowledge acquisition and feedback for this newly-created video module focusing on ASA patients presenting to the emergency department.

Design/Methods: The project was exempt from IRB approval. Residents in Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine were offered the opportunity to participate in in the module. Prior to starting, participants were asked to complete a survey using Likert scales to assess the overall level of comfort and knowledge with each aspect of caring for a sexually assaulted pediatric patient.The video is 1 hour in length and covers focused history taking and exam, the forensic evidence kit (FEK) and how to use it, an overview of necessary written documentation, as well as laboratory studies and medical management. After completion, a post-module survey was available 4 weeks later to determine the efficacy of the intervention on knowledge acquisition, and how effective the residents found the activity. 

Results:

 
Average Likert Scale on Pre-Survey 
Average Likert Scale on Post-Survey

Overall comfort level managing ASA
2.2
4.2

Comfort using a FEK
2.0
4.1

Comfort with appropriate documentation 
1.8
4.0

Comfort assessing ASA injuries
2.0
4.3 

Conclusion(s): Results from the pre and post survey show that this was an effective way to increase comfort level in managing patients coming in to the hospital with chief complaint of acute sexual assault. We hope to expand this as a resource not only to trainees, but to all that work with this patient population so that they may receive the best care.