A pre- experimental study on the effectiveness of structured teaching programme on knowledge regarding forensic nursing among b.sc (n) 4th year students of selected nursing colleges at district Jalandhar, Punjab, 2012

Background: Forensic nursing is an innovative and evolving nursing specialty that seeks to address healthcare issues that have a medico-legal component and an example of a nursing role that is rapidly increasing in its scope of practice. The clinical forensic nurse investigator documents, secures and preserves evidence while providing forensic consulting services to clients and interdisciplinary partners in healthcare and law-related agencies. Nurses practicing in this unique specialty may apply their knowledge and skills to the care of both victims and perpetrators of crime and in a variety of settings including primary care facilities, hospitals, and correctional institutions. Objectives of the study were • To assess the pre test knowledge regarding Forensic nursing among B.Sc. (N) 4th year students. • To plan and implement structured teaching programme regarding forensic nursing among B.Sc. (N) 4th year students. • To assess the post test knowledge regarding Forensic nursing among B.Sc. (N) 4th year students. • To compare pre test post test knowledge score regarding Forensic nursing among B.Sc. (N) 4th year students. • To find out association between knowledge regarding Forensic nursing among B.Sc. (N) 4th year students with their selected socio-demographic variables. Methods: One group pre test post test design was selected for the study; the study was conducted in selected nursing colleges of district Jalandhar, Punjab. Sixty B.Sc. Nursing 4th year students through Convenient sampling technique who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Data was collected by using self structured knowledge questionnaire. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Results: The pretest mean knowledge score was 15.64 and post test mean knowledge score was 22.86. There was no significant association between knowledge and selected socio-demographic variables. Interpretation: The result shows that there was significant difference between the pre test and post test knowledge score regarding Forensic Nursing among B.Sc (N) 4th year students after the administration of structured teaching programme. Conclusion: The study shows that significant increase in the level of knowledge regarding forensic nursing among B.Sc (N) 4th year students after the administration of structured teaching programme; hence enhancement of knowledge in the area of forensic nursing can have a positive impact on the care rendered by the nurses to the victims and perpetrators of any crime.