Citation

Dudas L, Petrohoy G, Esernio-Jenssen D, Lansenderfer C, Stirparo J, Dunstan M, Browne M. Pediatr. Surg. Int. 2019; 35(7): 773-778.

Affiliation

Division of Pediatric Surgical Specialties, Department of Surgery, Lehigh Valley Reilly Children's Hospital, Lehigh Valley Health Network, 1210 S Cedar Crest Blvd, Suite 1100, Allentown, PA, 18103, USA. Marybeth.Browne@lvhn.org.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s00383-019-04485-2

PMID

31115655

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.

Language: en

Keywords

Child abuse; Non-accidental trauma (NAT); Quality improvement; Universal screening