Citation

McKinney A, Lane G, Hickey F. Emerg. Med. Clin. North Am. 2004; 21(5): 562-564.

Affiliation

Department of Mental Health, Queens University Belfast

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1136/emj.2003.008607

PMID

15333530

PMCID

PMC1726463

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether cases of possible non-accidental injury as identified using five risk indicators give rise to any subjective concerns of child abuse. METHODS: Questionnaires were completed by the triage nurse and attending doctor for every child attending the general hospitals of the North Western Health Board, with an injury, during a six month period. The questionnaires included an assessment of subjective concerns about the injury occurrence and five risk indicators of child abuse. RESULTS: Children presenting with an injury who had two or more positive indicators failed to raise subjective concerns in the attending emergency department staff. CONCLUSIONS: The introduction of a policy of identifying positive indicators from the five risk indicators of child abuse needs additional computer support within emergency departments.