TeleSANE

The TeleSANE Program utilizes telemedicine to connect facility site clinicians to consultants specifically trained in caring for patients who have experienced a sexual assault.

The program provides equipment, education, and guidance to providers across the state of Arkansas to support a standardized care of practice. The consultants can be brought into the room with the site nurse and the patient for as much or as little as needed via a provided telecart.

The program connects the community resources and helps build bridges to create a multi-disciplinary approach to sexual assault care. Patients can expect an evidence-based, trauma-informed medical forensic exam, connections to resources, and after-care follow-up guidance.

As of April 2021, the state of Arkansas has seven practicing SANE-As. As TeleSANE expands into every region of the state via providers/facilities the program aims to grow the number of licensed SANE-As tremendously by offering support and education to practicing RNs. 

Providing the specialized care for patients who have experienced sexual assault is a main component of the program. Clinicians may feel the care of the patients is overwhelming due to lack of knowledge and access to education. The TeleSANE Program brings the knowledge needed to create a state-wide standard care of practice for treating patients of sexual assault.

The first step is providing resources and education which may be need to bring attention to the medical treatment of sexual assault patients.  The clinicians receive a support system including, education, resources, and forms to establish a standard care of practice for their facility. The TeleSANE Program also aids the community the facility works within to bridge a network of resources available in their area by bringing together the multi-disciplinary team needed to aid sexual assault victims. While TeleSANE aids in the standardization of medical treatment for sexual assault patients the facility can build relationships with the community.

As the program grows we will work with practicing RNs who feel the treatment of this population of patients is a priority in their careers by assisting them to receive the education, training, and clinical hours needed to become licensed SANE-A nurses.

We encourage every facility to join the TeleSANE Program in our mission by, Serving Arkansas Neighbors Everywhere by focusing on knowledgeable, professional, and compassionate care while increasing awareness and treatment options for survivors of sexual assault. Assisting our Arkansas providers in delivering expert comprehensive care to every patient through telehealth, ongoing education, community engagement, and connecting to resources in every community. We are striving to positively influence survivor’s mental and physical health outcomes, increase offender conviction rates, and promote safe Arkansas communities.