Improving the Forensic Documentation of Injuries through Alternate Light: A Researcher-Practitioner Partnership

The purpose of the formative evaluation is to rigorously assess and evaluate the programmatic implementation of alternate light source (ALS) use during the examination of injuries among adult victims of SV and IPV. This comprehensive feasibility study uses a mixed-methods approach to adequately inform the design and conduct of a large-scale cluster RCT. Two forensic nursing departments, each conducting over 300 adult forensic medical examinations annually, will participate in the study. Given the uncontrolled variability in injury assessment and documentation across forensic nursing departments, the work begins with an extensive assessment at both study sites of the context (clinic, organization, and external factors) and recipients (nurses and patients) of the proposed innovation, using an established framework as a guide. The results of this assessment will inform the development of a structured ALS implementation program. The resulting ALS program will include evidence- based, research-informed procedures and training in the forensic medical application of ALS technology, documentation, photography, and medicolegal interpretation. After implementation at both sites, a formative evaluation using the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework will be executed. A multi-disciplinary team, including representation from law enforcement and district attorneys, will participate in the evaluation process. "Note: This project contains a research and/or development component, as defined in applicable law," and complies with Part 200 Uniform Requirements - 2 CFR 200.210(a)(14). CA/NCF