@article{ref1,
title="A comprehensive pediatric acute sexual assault protocol: from emergency department to outpatient follow-up",
journal="Pediatric emergency care",
year="2018",
author="Kaplan, Dana M. and Moore, Jessica L. and Hirway, Priyadarshini and Barron, Christine E. and Goldberg, Amy P.",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="OBJECTIVE: Close medical follow-up after pediatric acute sexual assault is recommended and may mitigate adverse consequences and decrease long-term comorbidities. The objectives are to (1) examine adherence to a comprehensive outpatient medical follow-up protocol after evaluation in the emergency department in a pediatric population and (2) identify characteristics associated with patient adherence to inform the utilization of a medical follow-up protocol after pediatric acute sexual assault. <br><br>METHODS: A retrospective medical record review was conducted of patients younger than 18 years presenting to the emergency department from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2013, with a discharge diagnosis suggestive of sexual assault/abuse. We examined differences in demographics, assault characteristics, and medical/legal needs of patients who were evaluated in follow-up versus patients who were not. <br><br>RESULTS: Of 182 patients, 60.4% completed follow-up appointments with the child protection center. Younger patients had follow-up rates higher than older patients (70.2% vs 50%; odds ratio [OR], 0.42). For patients where child protective services or law enforcement were called, follow-up rates were 74.2% and 64.7%, respectively (OR, 2.5; OR, 3.1). All patients with anogenital injuries on initial examination were seen in follow-up. The majority of patients who followed-up were accompanied by a caregiver/relative (95%). <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: (1) Caregivers should be integrated into the evaluation to facilitate compliance with follow-up; (2) child abuse specialists may be consulted to facilitate specific interventions and recommendations; (3) professionals should work as a multidisciplinary team; and (4) the patient's psychological status should be evaluated, and mental health interventions recommended.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0749-5161",
doi="10.1097/PEC.0000000000001652",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/PEC.0000000000001652"
}