Experiences of healthcare staff in forensic care facilities supporting sexual violence survivors, in Tshwane, South Africa.
Moreoagae B Randa, Julie McGarry
PMID 37265128WHAT IT FOUND
Forensic care staff described providing essential psychological support and acting as a refuge, not just performing clinical exams.
However, they faced severe barriers including lack of privacy, insufficient follow-up resources, and emotional burnout from trauma exposure.
Key findings
01Clinical staff, including nurses and data capturers, provided significant psychological support and counselling beyond their formal roles, often without specific training for this aspect.
02Staff identified structural barriers to patient care, including lack of private consultation spaces and insufficient staffing, which led to long waiting times and reduced follow-up attendance.
03Working in forensic care caused significant emotional distress for staff, described as being 'compassionately sick,' with impacts on personal lives and a perceived lack of support from colleagues.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The study was small-scale with only 12 participants from two centres in one province, limiting generalisability. Participants were self-selected staff who agreed to take part, which may introduce bias regarding their willingness to discuss emotional impacts. The study relied on self-reported experiences and did not measure objective outcomes for patients.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest. The study formed part of a larger doctoral study.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret this study as evidence that current forensic care models are effective or adequate. It describes the subjective experiences of a small group of staff, highlighting deficits in training and resources rather than proving a specific intervention works.