J Emerg Nurs. 2026 Mar 23:S0099-1767(26)00046-2. doi: 10.1016/j.jen.2026.02.002. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Emergency visits for sexual assault have surged 1533.0% since 2006. Sexual assault is linked to worsened health outcomes; outcomes worsen without timely care. Sexual assault nurse examiners are specially trained to improve health care services, enhance forensic evidence collection, and amplify rates of prosecution. National standards recommend 24/7 crisis care to preserve forensic evidence and timely treatment of sexual assault patients. A southeastern teaching hospital’s part-time sexual assault nurse examiner program was audited for sexual assault nurse examiner delay length to establish recommendations.
METHODS: This gap analysis used a retrospective chart review of 150 sexual assault nurse examiner cases from 2022 to 2024 to assess care delays. The 150 patients were selected using a random number generator. Data were gathered from Epic, SharePoint, and manual chart review. Sexual assault nurse examiner delays and patients with disruptions in care were identified. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, whereas reasons for delays were categorized and counted. The evaluation project adhered to national protocols and received an institutional review board exemption.
RESULTS: Results showed average delays of 4.54 hours for sexual assault nurse examiner response times, with waits ranging from 0 to 30.7 hours; 6.37% of all 361 sexual assault nurse examiner cases either left or left and returned owing to sexual assault nurse examiner delays.
DISCUSSION: Prolonged wait times risk negative medical, forensic, and psychological outcomes. To improve care, recommendations include expanding staffing, implementing a full-time program, streamlining processes, and achieving 24/7 sexual assault nurse examiner coverage. Delays in sexual assault nurse examiner response are 4 to 5 times standard recommendations, with only 23.33% of cases meeting the 60-minute goal.
PMID:41870417 | DOI:10.1016/j.jen.2026.02.002
