An Interprofessional Approach to Family-Centered Child Protective Services Referral: A Case Report. Issue 6 (November 2021) - Roney, Linda Nancy
Abstract : Background: Members of the trauma team often find themselves in a uniquely challenging position wherein their role on the care team may necessitate developing a working relationship with alleged or confirmed perpetrators of abuse. Case Presentation: A 9-week-old admitted to the hospital with hyponatremia and evaluation for suspected child physical abuse. Specific details of the case were a barrier to communication and interactions between the patient's mother and the trauma nurse. This report will provide a discussion of takeaway lessons to support communication with this patient population. Conclusion: Peplau's Theory of Interpersonal Relations is utilized as a framework for engaging in therapeutic communication with a family that is part of a child protective services evaluation. The mnemonic, A-TEAM (A ware, T ransparent, E mpathetic, A nonjudgmental approach, and M anaged by an interprofessional team), is introduced as a strategy for trauma nurses and other health care team members to engage in therapeutic communication with a family that is part of a child protective services evaluation during their admission.