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Affiliation
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Charité ‒ Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, CCM, Research Division of Mind and Brain, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany. Electronic address: mueller.sabine@charite.de. |
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Abstract
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BACKGROUND: Child abuse and neglect (CAN) are common, with a high number of undetected victims. Since 2012, the German Federal Child Protection Act grants doctors an opportunity to circumvent their duty of confidentiality if they suspect CAN may be occurring, despite the reporting of CAN not being mandatory.
OBJECTIVE: This study examines pediatricians' reporting behavior in cases of CAN and what their attitudes are toward mandatory reporting. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: All 378 primary care pediatricians and pediatric psychiatrists in the German capital of Berlin were asked to complete a questionnaire anonymously. The questionnaire was sent by mail to all primary care pediatricians (N = 302) and pediatric psychiatrists (N = 76) in private practice.
METHODS: Patterns of reporting, response tendencies, and correlations with socio-economic factors were described and statistically examined.
RESULTS: The response rate was 42% (N = 157). Of the pediatricians, 28% report every suspected case to the authorities. The majority, namely 73%, has difficulties in detecting CAN, and 64% would like additional training. Furthermore, 52% are aware of legally guaranteed counseling options being available if CAN is suspected. Whereas 71% consider mandatory reporting necessary to protect children more effectively, 57% are sure it would simplify their work.
CONCLUSIONS: More training on diagnosing CAN should be offered to pediatricians. It is necessary to have a full and frank discussion about making reporting mandatory in cases where there is a reasonable suspicion of CAN. Doctors believe that mandatory reporting standardizes and simplifies working procedures. It may possibly reduce the number of undetected cases of CAN and would allow more children and families access to early protection and supporting measures.
Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Language: en |