PATHWAY TO HEALING AND RECOVERY: ALLEVIATION OF SURVIVOR WORRIES IN SEXUAL ASSAULT NURSE EXAMINER-LED SEXUAL ASSAULT TELEHEALTH EXAMINATIONS

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to understand the pre-examination worries of individuals who experience sexual assault, and whether those worries were experienced or resolved during a telehealth-enabled, sexual assault nurse examiner-led sexual assault examination.Methods: Patient surveys were administered to understand pre-examination worries, whether those worries were ultimately experienced during the consultation, and patient perceptions of care quality, telehealth consultation, and whether the examina-tion helped individuals feel better. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and binomial proportion tests.Results: Surveys were collected from 74 adolescents and adults who obtained sexual assault care at 6 rural and 2 subur-ban hospitals. Study findings showed individuals overcome sub-stantial worries to access care, with 66% having at least 1 worry and 41% endorsing 3 or more pre-examination worries. Most participants felt believed (83%) and did not feel judged (88%) or blamed (85%) during their examination. Analysis of pre-examination worries and worry resolution during the exam-ination showed 88% to 100% resolution of worries related to being believed, judged, blamed or lacking control. Participants highly rated the quality of care received (92%) and 84% stated the examination helped them feel better, suggesting a sexual assault nurse examiner-led examination is an important step to-ward recovery and healing.Discussion: These findings have implications for emergency department support for sexual assault nurse examiner-led care and public health messaging to demystify sexual assault care, allay fears, and highlight care benefits.