The Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing has announced that the Sexual Assault Forensic Examination Telehealth (SAFE-T) System has been named an "Edge Runner" by the American Academy of Nursing. Edge Runners are nurse-designed models of care that reduce cost, improve health care quality, advance health equity and enhance consumer satisfaction. A signature initiative of the academy, the Edge Runners program acknowledges innovative ideas that transform health, specifically highlighting nurses’ ingenuity, leadership, determination and collaboration in developing new models of providing exceptional care.
The SAFE-T System aims to ensure equitable, trauma-informed care for sexual assault survivors, especially in rural areas lacking access to Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs). SAFE-T connects local providers with expert SANEs via secure telehealth and custom forensic tools, improving evidence collection, survivor support and legal outcomes. Rooted in sustainability and community partnership, the model also prepares local nurses and dramatically improves SANE workforce retention. With a 75% retention rate, 94% patient satisfaction, and significant cost savings, the SAFE-T model helps to address healthcare disparities and enhances care quality for underserved populations.
“Sexual violence is one of the most pervasive public health crises in the U.S., affecting nearly one in two women and one in three men,” said Sheridan Miyamoto, associate professor of nursing, Social Science Research Instute cofunded faculty member and SAFE-T System founder. “Timely, trauma-informed care from Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners can make a profound difference in a survivor’s healing and in achieving justice — but in many rural communities, access to this specialized care simply doesn’t exist. Survivors are often left without trauma-informed health care that promotes their healing, and critical forensic evidence may be lost.”
The SAFE-T System has demonstrated measurable success across clinical, financial and patient outcomes. With a 75% SANE retention rate — far surpassing the national average of 8% — the program significantly reduces costs tied to turnover, hiring and retraining, a benefit recognized by hospital leadership. On the patient side, 94% of survivors reported feeling better after a SAFE-T-supported exam. Among those who initially feared being judged, disbelieved or shamed (74%), 88%–100% said those concerns were alleviated during their telehealth consultation. Additionally, 92% of patients reported an overall improvement in care, underscoring SAFE-T’s impact on quality and trust in rural healthcare.
“This recognition is a powerful affirmation of the work done by Sheridan and the SAFE-T System team to ensure every survivor receives the expert, compassionate care they deserve — no matter where they live,” said Laurie Badzek, dean of the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing. “The success of the SAFE-T System speaks to the dedication of nurses, the strength of partnerships, and the urgency of the SAFE-T mission.”
“The academy is thrilled to designate these models of care as Edge Runners," said Academy President Linda D. Scott. "This year’s models represent a range of nursing specialties, from post-care triage to sexual assault telehealth services to dementia support services, as well as the future of the profession through online residency programs and mobile simulation labs. Research and innovation are priorities of the academy, and each Edge Runner model demonstrates how nurses are enhancing care, improving outcomes and addressing important health challenges.”
All of the academy’s Edge Runner profiles are available to view here. The program leads for each of these innovative models of care will be honored at the 2025 Health Policy Conference, taking place Oct. 16–18 in Washington, D.C.
About the American Academy of Nursing
The American Academy of Nursing serves the public by advancing health policy and practice through the generation, synthesis, and dissemination of nursing knowledge. Academy Fellows are inducted into the organization for their extraordinary contributions to improve health locally and globally. With more than 3,200 Fellows, the Academy represents nursing’s most accomplished leaders in policy, research, administration, practice, and academia.
About Penn State’s Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing
Penn State’s Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing is one of the largest educators of pre-licensure students in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, with over 2200 undergraduate and graduate students on 13 campuses. The college is positioned to lead the next generation of nurses and nurse scientists while enhancing the health of all people through quality care and education.