Patient-Centered Care
Every sexual assault medical forensic examination should begin with identifying what the patient needs. This helps the patient to feel safe, supported, and in control of all aspects of their care. As a program develops policies and procedures for providing patient-centered care, incorporating Duffy's Eight Caring Factors48 throughout the examination process allows for a routine that meets the needs of all patients. In each section of the Guide, strategies for making care patient-centered are highlighted.