Every child, every time: hospital-wide child abuse screening increases awareness and state reporting.
Publication/Presentation Date
5-21-2019
Abstract
PURPOSE: A review of our child abuse evaluation system demonstrated a lack of standardization leading to low reporting levels. The purpose of this quality improvement initiative was to develop a standard child abuse screening tool; an education program increasing awareness to child abuse; and to measure the impact of the screening tool in reporting.
METHODS: A screening tool was developed and implemented for all trauma patients < 15 years of age; staff was educated; and a child protection team (CPT) was established. Within 9 months, screening was extended to all patients admitted to the children's hospital. Screening compliance, number of child abuse reporting forms (CY-47) filed, and consultations to the CPT were monitored.
RESULTS: Initially, there was an average screening compliance of 56%. After making the program hospital-wide, the compliance rate increased to an average of 96%; and the average number of CPT consults increased from 2 to 10 per month. Over this study period, the average number of CY-47s filed increased from 6.1 to 7.3 per month.
CONCLUSIONS: Hospital-wide use of an objective screening tool, frequent re-education, and the support of an experienced child protection team led to improved child abuse screening compliance and more consistent suspected-abuse reporting rates.
ISSN
1437-9813
Published In/Presented At
Dudas, L., Petrohoy, G., Esernio-Jenssen, D., Lansenderfer, C., Stirparo, J., Dunstan, M., & Browne, M. (2019). Every child, every time: hospital-wide child abuse screening increases awareness and state reporting. Pediatric Surgery International. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00383-019-04485-2.
Disciplines
Surgery | Trauma
PubMedID
31115655
Department(s)
Department of Surgery, Department of Surgery Faculty
Document Type
Article