A Study to Assess the Knowledge of Nursing Professionals Regarding Forensic Nursing Practices

Abstract

Introduction: The specialist field of forensic nursing combines nursing science with legal and forensic concepts. Patients involved in medico-legal matters, such as victims of violence, abuse, accidents, poisoning, and sexual assault, are often seen by nursing staff. Sufficient understanding of forensic nursing procedures is necessary for accurate evaluation, preservation of evidence, recordkeeping, and legal reporting. The purpose of this study was to evaluate nursing professionals' understanding of forensic nursing procedures.

Methodology: A quantitative descriptive survey design was utilized for the investigation. The study was conducted among 150 nursing professionals working at selected hospitals in Bihar. A non-probability convenience sampling method was used to choose the participants. Data were collected using a structured knowledge questionnaire consisting of 40 multiple-choice questions pertaining to forensic nursing techniques. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed for data analysis.

Results: The findings revealed that 22% of nursing professionals had inadequate knowledge, 56% had moderately adequate knowledge, and 22% had adequate knowledge regarding forensic nursing practices. The mean knowledge score was 24.68±5.82. Significant associations were found between knowledge scores and educational qualification, years of experience, and previous forensic nursing training (p<0.05).

Conclusion: According to the study's findings, most nurses had a reasonably sufficient understanding of forensic nursing procedures.