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Document Type

DNP - University Access Only

Award Date

2016

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Graduate Nursing

First Advisor

Marylou Mylant

Keywords

military sexual trauma, routine screening, MST education

Abstract

Summary. Currently, a one-time military sexual trauma (MST) screen on initial intake into the care of the Veteran’s Affairs (VA) is the practice for MST screening. A routine MST screening protocol was implemented for 4 weeks at a VA women’s health clinic after MST training was provided for the women’s clinic staff. Mental health services and the option of attending the free therapy for MST at the VA was offered to any woman with an experience of MST. The training for the staff within the women's clinic included information regarding MST and the best methods for approaching a woman when screening them in order to elicit the most honest response. A pre and post questionnaire regarding comfort level discussing sexual trauma, attitude towards routine screening, relationships with the women they serve, and their understanding of sexual trauma pre and post training and protocol implementation was given to the clinic staff and analyzed for improvement.
Outcomes. MST education improved the staff’s attitudes towards routine screening, the therapeutic relationship with the women, the knowledge of sexual trauma and its effects. The protocol itself improved the staff’s comfortability with discussing MST. 86 women were seen during the course of the project and one woman was seen twice. Three new positive MST screens were obtained. Even though this project was only implemented over a four week time period, it provides evidence that routine screening assists in identifying more women with a history of MST, therefore a move towards improving a women’s overall health.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Sexual harassment in the military
Women veterans -- Mental health services
Women veterans -- Medical care
Medical screening

Description

Includes bibliographical references (pages 67-70)

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

93

Publisher

South Dakota State University

Rights

In Copyright - Non-Commercial Use Permitted
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC-NC/1.0/

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