Richard Bassed^1
1Monash University

Monash University’s Department of Forensic Medicine and consortia partner, the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine have developed a CPD- accredited training course providing education to Doctors and Nurses on how to respond to patient disclosures of sexual violence. 

The course comprises three units, delivered at no cost in both online and face-to-face formats. This training equips AHPRA registered healthcare professionals to recognize and respond appropriately to adult disclosures of sexual violence. The course equips healthcare worker with vital skills through a patient-centered, trauma informed and practical curriculum. This talk will provide details of the course, the benefits of engaging, and reflections on future developments. 

Kathy Kramer^1
1FAMSACA

Evolution & development Forensic and Medical Sexual Assault Clinicians Australia (FAMSACA) is a professional organisation for nurses and medical practitioners who practice in or have an interest in the area of sexual assault and, increasingly, domestic and family violence. Established in 2004, it is a not-for-profit organisation with a focus on providing education and a forum in which clinicians can network and collaborate.

Immediate past president Kathy Kramer will present a brief overview of the organisation – how did it come into being, why does it continue to exist, and what lessons can it share with the Faculty of Clinical Forensic Medicine?

of FAMSACA

Rachel Chen1, Branco Wu², Morgan Clayton^3
1Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine; ²Logan Hospital; ³Ipswich Hospital

At a forensic service in Melbourne, Victoria, the initiation of a significant multi-disciplinary workforce expansion highlighted the need to optimise training processes and standardise the skillset of a cohort of forensic nurse examiners and medical officers with little prior forensic experience. The acquisition of clinical knowledge, examination techniques, and the non-technical skills required in working with the unique needs of victim-survivors poses a unique challenge to forensic medical services across Australia.  

A pilot training program utilising the principles of healthcare simulation was developed and trialed with the new cohort of staff. We report on our experience and staff responses to this medical education method which is not often applied in Clinical Forensic Medicine. We believe there is potential for further development and implementation of simulation training programs in our clinical forensic setting and others across Australia.