Detection of non-accidental injuries presenting at emergency departments. Issue 5 (25th August 2004)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McKinney, A; Lane, G; Hickey, F
• Is Part Of: Emergency medicine journal. Volume 21:Issue 5(2004)
• Page Start: 562
• Page End: 564
• Publication Date: 2004-08-25
• Subjects: childhood accidents -- non-accidental injuries; Emergency medicine -- Periodicals; 616.02505
• DOI: 10.1136/emj.2003.008607
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1472-0205

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: To investigate whether cases of possible non-accidental injury as identified using five risk indicators give rise to any subjective concerns of child abuse. Methods: Questionnaires were completed by the triage nurse and attending doctor for every child attending the general hospitals of the North Western Health Board, with an injury, during a six month period. The questionnaires included an assessment of subjective concerns about the injury occurrence and five risk indicators of child abuse. Results: Children presenting with an injury who had two or more positive indicators failed to raise subjective concerns in the attending emergency department staff. Conclusions: The introduction of a policy of identifying positive indicators from the five risk indicators of child abuse needs additional computer support within emergency departments.