Unit 4: Informed Consent, Medical History, and Physical Examination

This unit describes the key elements of informed consent; how to conduct, collect, and document a comprehensive patient history pertaining to sexual violence; the components of a physical examination of survivors of sexual violence and the principles of collecting forensic evidence; and the purpose and composition of a medical certificate.

By the end of this unit, participants will:

• Summarize key elements of informed consent.
• Describe how to conduct and collect a comprehensive patient history pertaining to sexual violence, and document findings appropriately.
• Explain components of a physical examination of survivors of sexual violence, including internal and external genital examination.
• Describe principles of collecting forensic evidence during the physical examination.
• Discuss the purpose and composition of a medical certificate.

Total: 150 minutes (2 hours, 30 minutes)

• 60 minutes: Facilitator Presentation and Group Discussion
• 60 minutes: Small Group Activity: Case Study
• 30 minutes: Facilitator Presentation and Group Discussion

• Print, download, and gather materials
• Summarize the responsibility of the health care provider in reporting medical findings in a court of law in the setting. Ask a legal expert to write a short briefing about the local court proceeding in cases of sexual violence and what to expect to be asked when giving testimony in court
• Confirm what the lab capabilities are for testing specimens prior to the training
• Research the medical certificate legal requirements in the country of the training, where to get a sample of the medical certificate, and who is allowed to fill this document out

• Refer to the Facilitator's Guide for the detailed session guide and list of materials needed for this unit
• Presentation
• Participant Workbook