Challenges encountered by emergency nurses in forensic case management: A qualitative study

Abstract

Purpose/aims: This study aimed to reveal the opinions of emergency room nurses regarding crime victims and the challenges they experience.

Design: This study was a qualitative descriptive study.

Methods: A convenience sampling method was used in the study. Data were collected through individual in-depth interviews using semi-structured questions lasting approximately 45 min. The interviews were audio recorded. In total, nine nurses individual interviews were held.

Results: The study was completed with nine nurses with approximately twelve years of experience in the emergency department. Four themes were identified: duties and responsibilities of nurses in crime victims management; maintaining well-being in challenging crime victims; education needs of emergency nurses for crime victims; and challenges experienced by nurses in crime victims management.

Conclusions: When contextualizing the findings of our study within forensic nursing theory, it becomes evident that nurses play a pivotal role in continuously informing, influencing, and advancing forensic nursing care to improve patient health, forensic evidence collection, and criminal justice outcomes. A key finding of our study was the impact of interaction with crime victims in the emergency department on nurses' well-being. In this regard, implementing institution-supported education policies, establishing units dedicated to supporting well-being, and fostering a supportive organizational culture are essential measures to promote the resilience and effectiveness of nurses in this critical field.

Keywords: Emergency nursing; Forensic nursing; Forensic nursing theory; Nursing care.