Queensland nurses and midwives trained to provide sexual assault services

An innovative online training program is helping to provide much-needed support for survivors of sexual assault in Queensland metropolitan' regional' rural and remote areas.

Developed in partnership with Queensland Health and CQUniversity' to date' the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program has trained 52 nurses and midwives across Queensland with the knowledge and performance skills to deliver care to adult and adolescent (14 years and over) patients being evaluated for sexual assault or suspected of having been sexually assaulted.

The comprehensive course (as a micro-credential) for nurses and midwives enables them to deliver person-centred care to people reporting sexual assault.

CQUniversity Centre for Professional Development Manager' Deb Friel said the success of the program is largely due to the hyperflexible modular format that accommodates nurses' work routines and availability for study.

"The program has been carefully developed using a combination of asynchronous e-learning and a face-to-face workshop'" she said".

"After completing the online modules' nurses participate in a workshop with Queensland Health's Senior Forensic Physicians' to test their competence using simulated scenarios."

"CQU's ongoing support and commitment to the industry partners and regions it operates within has ensured the success of this partnership enabling nurses and midwives to provide more accessible health care for sexual assault victims in their communities."

Successful students are awarded a digital badge issued by CQUniversity in partnership with Queensland health to validate their knowledge and skills with their employers and recognise their professional development and valuable contribution to improved service delivery across Queensland.