Forensic Nursing Education and Practice in Lebanon: Current Status and Future Perspectives

Abstract

Background: Civil war followed by endless socioeconomic hardships and political instabilities have taken their toll on the Lebanese people. As a result, their physical, mental, and psychosocial wellbeing have been significantly jeopardized. This has been demonstrated in the significant increase in the stress-related disorders, many of which are underreported. Mental health and forensic medicine specialists are still in low number in the country, and their services are too expensive to be approached by the people in need. As such, establishing Forensic Nursing Education and Practice in Lebanon seems to be a necessity. Purpose: The aim of this study is to survey Forensic Nursing education and practice in Lebanon. Method: We conducted two separate comprehensive PubMed and Medline searches using MeSH terms “Forensic Nursing education” AND “Lebanon”, and “Forensic Nursing practice” AND “Lebanon”. In parallel, we reviewed the catalogues and the related description of courses of the nursing programs currently offered by the various universities, colleges, technical institutions, and hospitals in Lebanon in relation to Forensic Nursing education. Finally, we reviewed the Lebanese Law for the existence of legislations governing the practice of Forensic Nursing in Lebanon. Results: Our results revealed that Forensic Nursing education still lacks in the nursing degree programs offered by the various universities, colleges, technical institutions, and hospitals in Lebanon. Moreover, legislations governing the practice of Forensic Nursing still do not exist. Conclusion and implications: Introducing Forensic Nursing in the nursing programs offered in Lebanon seems to be an urgent need. This should be followed by establishing a track in Forensic Nursing licensed practice that is accompanied by proper government legislations.