assault, careful attention to psychological factors must
be given to lessen the impact of the incident. This is
especially important when a minor is involved and the
reaction of adults may be more harmful than the actual
assault itself.
Tactful questioning and the use of
appropriate terminology are of extreme importance
throughout the history taking and examination.
OPNAVINST 1752.1, S e x u a l A s s a u l t Vi c t i m
Intervention (SAVI) Program, and SECNAVINST
5800.11, Victim and Witness Program, provide
guidance for the care and support of victims of sexual
assault.
CHILD AND SPOUSE ABUSE AND
NEGLECT
The nature of child and spouse abuse and neglect
requires a careful patient history and physical
examination to identify or rule out past and present
injuries caused by abuse or neglect. The policies and
guidelines established by the Navy Family Advocacy
Program must be followed.
This program was
discussed earlier in this chapter and is outlined in
SECNAVINST 1752.3 and BUMEDINST 6320.70.
SUMMARY
Retaining our high medical standards and the
quality healthcare the fleet demands, as well as
providing care for military dependents and a constantly
expanding retiree database, requires a healthcare
administration support structure that is second to none.
DEERS management and the determination of patient
eligibility are crucial components and only two of the
areas discussed in this chapter. Also covered were many
of the health-related programs established to benefit and
support eligible recipients in the military community.
These programs are often meant to eliminate the need
for others. Good quality assurance, for example, creates
better patient relations, thereby minimizing legal
problems; substance abuse and family advocacy
programs identify problems before they become
unmanageable; and the physical readiness program
helps build a healthier Sailor, thus eliminating needless
patient visits.
This chapter also provided an overview of the
Hospital Corpsmans responsibilities in the area of
interaction with legal authorities.
Sexual assault,
spouse and child abuse, and drug and alcohol incidents
require legal and medical teamwork.
Many legal
battles are lost because of failure to adhere to the
proper administrative procedures.
As a Hospital
Corpsman, you must be aware of these procedures and
ensure that they are followed precisely.
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