The impact of a clinical prediction tool (BuRN-Tool) for child maltreatment on social care outcomes for children attending hospital with a burn or scald injury. Issue 4 (June 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bennett, C. Verity; Hollén, Linda; Wilkins, David; Emond, Alan; Kemp, Alison
• Is Part Of: Burns. Volume 49:Issue 4(2023)
• Page Start: 941
• Page End: 950
• Publication Date: 2023-06
• Subjects: Neglect -- Abuse -- Safeguarding -- Child protection -- Clinical prediction tool -- Children's burns; Burns and scalds -- Periodicals; 617.11
• DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2022.07.014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0305-4179

Abstract

Abstract: Burns are common childhood injuries and 10–20% are associated with maltreatment. This prospective before/after study investigated the impact of introducing the BuRN-Tool (a child maltreatment clinical prediction tool), on actions taken by children's social care department (CSC). Before introduction (pre-intervention): we collected standardised data on cause and characteristics of burns, in four regional hospitals. A BuRN-Tool-score was calculated retrospectively pre-intervention and by the attending clinician post-intervention. CSC involvement and actions taken relative to BuRN-Tool-score were compared pre- and post-BuRN-Tool. Data were collected for 1688 children from 17 local authorities. The percentage that received a CSC action decreased post-BuRN-Tool (pre: 58.0%, 51/88; post: 37.5%, 33/88, p = 0.007). A greater percentage of cases with a BuRN-Tool-score of ≥ 3 had a CSC action, than those with a BuRN-Tool-score 3, pre-intervention (≥3 70.0%, 35/50; = 0.04) and post-intervention (≥3 50.0%, 21/42; = 0.01). Children with a BuRN-Tool-score ≥ 3 but no contact/referral recorded by CSC for the burn, and those who had a contact/referral but no action taken, were significantly more likely than those scoring 3 to have new CSC involvement within six months following the burn. The BuRN-Tool-score ≥ 3 has the potential to alert clinicians to maltreatment concerns. Highlights: Data from 17 local authorities was used to evaluate the impact of a clinical child maltreatment prediction tool (BuRN-Tool). A BuRN-Tool-score of ≥3 indicated greater likelihood of social care action, at the time or within 6 months of injury. Data from 17 local authorities was used to evaluate the impact of a clinical child maltreatment prediction tool (BuRN-Tool). Introducing the BuRN-Tool in hospital did not increase the percentage of children receiving social care interventions. A BuRN-Tool-score of ≥3 indicated greater likelihood of social care action, at the time or within 6 months of injury.