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.