Readiness to integrate sexual assault nurse examiner curriculum: a pilot study results on nurses’ perspectives in an Indian context

Background: Addressing the need for improved healthcare services for survivors of sexual assault in India is a crucial issue. It is recommended to add forensic content to nursing curricula in India, but effective implementation in this regard is limited. We assessed the readiness of nursing faculty to integrate the sexual assault nurse examiners (SANE) curriculum in India. Methods: A pilot study was conducted among nursing faculty members from four nursing colleges in a selected district of Kerala, India. A total sample of 100 faculty members from the selected colleges was surveyed using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Results: Most participants (95%) agreed SANE would improve survivor care. Barriers to reporting included police/legal intimidation (98%), male examiners (12%), invasive procedures (25%), and social stigma. Most supported having a dedicated caregiver for survivors (85%). However, only 12% had provided care, and 6% were aware of SANE training. Major barriers identified were the lack of SANE-trained personnel (77%), clinician disinterest (35%), physician resistance to shared roles (12%), and insufficient legal support (40%). While 62% urged policy reform, few found the curriculum socially (2.1%) or educationally (11.5%) inadequate. Nonetheless, 94% strongly supported and 6% supported SANE legislation and implementation by the Indian Nursing Council and other bodies. Conclusions: Nursing faculty supported the implementation of SANE education and practice, recognizing its importance to Indian society and its potential benefit for survivors of sexual trauma. This positive attitude among nurses represents a crucial step toward the successful integration of the SANE curriculum into nursing education.