Citation

Riney L, Frey T, Fain E, Duma E, Chambers P. J. Patient Exp. 2020; 7(6): 827-829.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/2374373520950987

PMID

33457503

Abstract

Child abuse is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in pediatrics. Children presenting with injuries concerning for child abuse require a thorough evaluation. A standardized guideline can result in a more complete and evidence-based evaluation for child abuse, with decreased bias and variation among health care providers (Figure 1) (1). This evaluation often includes a social services consultation, laboratory studies, and imaging depending on the child's age. This process can be stressful for both families and care providers. Effective communication between caregivers of an injured child and the health care team is essential in providing the best outcome for the child and family. The implication that a child's injury may have been inflicted rather than accidental is difficult to discuss. Obtaining bloodwork and imaging for young children is an uncomfortable and time-consuming process. Caregivers should understand the rationale for this workup and will need an explanation of the components and sequence of the evaluation. Health care providers vary greatly in their word choice, degree of explanation, and delivery of information to caregivers of children being evaluated for child abuse. This variation can produce distrust and frustration with the health care team, which could lead some families to resist proceeding with the child abuse evaluation...

Language: en

Keywords

trauma; communication; child abuse; emergency medicine; non-accidental