Supervisors info:
Βενετία-Σοφία Βελονάκη, Επίκουρη Καθηγήτρια, Τμήμα Νοσηλευτικής, ΕΚΠΑ
Αθηνά Καλοκαιρινού, Καθηγήτρια, Τμήμα Νοσηλευτικής, ΕΚΠΑ
Δρ. Θεόδωρος Πεσιρίδης, Επιστημονικός Συνεργάτης, Τμήμα Νοσηλευτικής, ΕΚΠΑ
Summary:
Introduction and Purpose: Forensic nursing is a specialized field of nursing that
includes details, specific knowledge and education for an effective and targeted
health care delivery, as it expresses and reflects two scientific poles, health and
justice. The aim of the review was to explore the multifaceted role of forensic
nurses, as well as to study the content and specificities of forensic nursing around
the world. The ultimate aim was to draw conclusions in order to highlight the
necessity of developing and consolidating this specialty in Greece as well.
Methodology: This descriptive literature review was conducted through a search in
PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus databases as well as in the journals: the
Journal of Forensic Nursing, Journal of Forensic Sciences, Journal of Psychiatric
and Mental Health Nursing and Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine. The
search took place from June 2022 to February 2023. The inclusion criteria used for
the sources were subject matter and language. Editorials, opinion articles,
reviews, research articles, legislation and grey literature were searched for. Results: Forensic nurses play a critical role in managing specific issues such as
sexual violence, domestic violence, child abuse, and elder abuse. This multi-level
role makes forensic nursing unique and challenging. In addition, forensic nurses
are involved in public information and awareness, educating the public about
violence prevention. Forensic nursing is not limited to hospitals but extends to
primary health care and the legal system. Their work can influence the outcome of
legal proceedings, ensuring that justice is done. In addition, they contribute to the
collection of valuable data and enhance public health promotion efforts by
identifying trends and patterns in violence and abuse, which can lead to policy
changes and new, more effective prevention strategies. Unfortunately, however,
there is a huge knowledge and education gap in this area, both for new nurses as
well as for nurses with years of experience. In fact, in several countries, such as
Greece, the specialty of forensic nursing has not yet been developed and
recognized, despite its necessity.
Conclusions: Forensic nursing is an emerging and dynamic field located at the
crossroads of healthcare and justice. This paper sheds light on the pivotal role
forensic nurses play in defending victims, gathering key evidence, and ultimately in
the overall safety and well-being of individuals and communities. The multifaceted
role of forensic nurses on the one hand makes them indispensable members of
healthcare and legal systems and on the other hand makes it imperative that a
forensic nursing specialty be established in Greece as well.
Keywords:
Forensic nurse, Forensic nursing, Emergency, Prisons, Forensic psychiatric nursing, Sexual abuse investigators, Child abuse, Domestic violence victim, Sexual abuse, Vulnerable groups, Death investigator, Forensic examination
