National Survey on the Use of Screening Tools to Detect Physical Child Abuse
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
8-2016
Abstract
Purpose
Recognition of physical child abuse is imperative for ensuring children’s safety. Screening tools (ST) may increase identification of physical abuse; however, the extent of their use is unknown. This study assessed use of STs for physical abuse in children’s hospitals and determined attitudes regarding STs.
Methods
A web-based survey was sent to child abuse program contacts at 103 children’s hospitals. The survey assessed institutional use of a ST for physical abuse and characteristics of the ST used. Respondents were asked to identify benefits and liabilities of STs used or barriers to ST use.
Results
Seventy-two respondents (70 %) completed the survey; most (64 %) were child abuse pediatricians. Nine (13 %) respondents reported using a ST for physical abuse; STs varied in length, population, administration, and outcomes of a positive screen. Most respondents (86 %) using a ST felt that it increased detection of abuse. Barriers noted included lack of time for development and provider completion of a ST.
Conclusions
While few respondents endorsed use of a ST for physical abuse, most believed that it increased detection of abuse. Future research should focus on development of a brief, uniform ST for physical abuse which may increase detection in at-risk children.
Repository Citation
Crichton, K. G.,
Cooper, J. N.,
Minneci, P.,
Groner, J. I.,
Thackeray, J. D.,
& Deans, K.
(2016). National Survey on the Use of Screening Tools to Detect Physical Child Abuse. Pediatric Surgery International, 32 (8), 815-818.
https://corescholar.libraries.wright.edu/pediatrics/459
DOI
10.1007/s00383-016-3916-z
