NPMC Helps Victims of Rape Find Hope, Healing, Justice

In the United States, nearly half of all women and a quarter of men experience sexual violence.[1] Arkansas has the second highest rate of rape in the U.S.[2], with 77.2 cases reported out of 100 thousand. However, this number is likely higher since rapes are widely under reported.

Since spring of 2023, National Park Medical Center (NPMC) has been helping victims of sexual assault through teleSANE. TeleSANE, a program developed by the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences (UAMS), provides clinical, evidence-based telehealth care in the emergency room. Victims can connect privately and remotely through video with a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), a registered nurse trained to provide comprehensive healthcare to survivors of sexual assault.

“TeleSANE is available 24-hours, seven days a week, which means we are here any time to help victims of sexual assault, and our community really needs that help,” says Priscilla Couch, ED Director.

The TeleSANE program uses a telecart equipped with a two-way video screen and a SANE tool kit to aid in the collection of evidence. The SANE nurse also helps with photography and provides resources to aid in recovery.

TeleSANE aims to break down communication barriers for traumatized patients. Because the nurses have extensive training and experience with these cases, they know how to speak empathetically, using language designed to minimize any additional trauma and reduce triggers.

“It’s our hope that more members of our community hear about this resource and connect with it,” says Lisa Wallace, NPMC Chief Nursing Officer. “We are committed to providing care that meets the needs of our community and makes healthcare more easily accessible.”

When a victim of sexual assault enters the emergency room, after an initial consult and with the patient’s permission, the onsite care provider will bring the TeleSANE cart into the room to assist with as much or as little treatment as needed. Patients receive an evidence-based, trauma-informed medical forensic exam, connections to resources, and after-care follow-up guidance.

Since its use at NPMC, the teleSANE program has helped multiple survivors of sexual assault.

The NPMC teleSANE program at the hospital accompanies the telePsychiatry, teleNeurology, teleStroke, and virtual nursing programs designed to meet the immediate needs of the Hot Springs community so they can receive care close to home.

About NPMC

NPMC has been providing quality healthcare for over 60 years, offering a wide range of inpatient and outpatient specialized services. Located in Hot Springs, Arkansas, with provider locations across the city, NPMC is a proud part of the Lifepoint Health family of hospitals.

[1] National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS)

[2] Rape Statistics by State [Updated June 2023] (worldpopulationreview.com)