Assessment Instruments Used To Study Healthcare-Based Interventions for Women Who Have Experienced Sexual Violence ->

The findings of this review of assessment instruments used in studies of healthcare-based interventions for women who have experienced sexual violence are best viewed in light of the methodological limitations of this review.  First, although a widespread search was conducted to locate assessment instruments used in empirical publications concerning healthcare-based services for women who experienced sexual assault, there is no doubt that some relevant assessment instruments and publications were missed. Second, since this review was restricted to assessment instruments used in healthcare-based services, important assessment instruments used to study services for sexual assault victims offered in other types of settings (for example, psychology clinics) were not included in the review.  In part, our review is biased toward acute and shorter-term care provided in hospitals and clinics to victims/survivors who have a recent assault experience rather than longer-term care or care provided to victims/survivors who do not arrive “immediately” (i.e. within one week to one month) post-assault.  Third, although a standardized procedure was developed and used to review the identified assessment instruments, this is just one of many relevant approaches that may have been developed; thus, other methods of review may have highlighted other aspects of the assessment instruments.  Finally, although the reviewers were careful in documenting various aspects of the assessment instruments, it may be that some misinterpretation concerning the tools occurred. Therefore, you are urged to access and examine each of the assessment instruments that are of greatest interest to you.