Low-Fidelity Hybrid Sexual Assault Simulation Training's Effect on the Comfort and Competency of Resident Physicians

BackgroundAlternative training methods are needed for resident physicians to ensure that care is not compromised should they practice in settings without well-established Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) programs.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of a simulation-based sexual assault response course for resident physicians at an institution without an on-site SANE program.MethodsEducational intervention study of 12 emergency medicine residents using a low-fidelity hybrid simulation model. The study was comprised of eight male and four female physicians at a military medical center in San Diego, CA. Assessment occurred using three separate metrics. The first was a written knowledge test. The second was a simulated interview and evidentiary examination. These metrics were given 1 month before and 3 months after an 8-h training course. The final metric was Likert-scale questionnaires surveying pre- and post-course feelings of competency and comfort.ResultsThe emergency medicine residents showed a 13% improvement (95% confidence interval [CI] 7−20%) in written examination scores pre and post intervention. Post-course interview and examinations reflected a 44% improvement (95% CI 24−64%) in critical action completion. Pre-course comfort and competency questionnaires were a median of 2 (interquartile range [IQR] 1−3) on a Likert Scale. Post-course survey responses were a median of 4 (IQR 2−5).ConclusionsLow-fidelity hybrid simulation is a useful tool to train inexperienced physicians to perform evidentiary examinations and interviews without sacrificing the privacy and direct care of sexual assault victims.