| Title | Emergency department evaluation of child abuse. |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2013 |
| Authors | Leetch AN, Woolridge D |
| Journal | Emerg Med Clin North Am |
| Volume | 31 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pagination | 853-73 |
| Date Published | 2013 Aug |
| ISSN Number | 1558-0539 |
| Keywords | Burns, Child, Child Abuse, Child Abuse, Sexual, Child, Preschool, Contusions, Craniocerebral Trauma, Emergency Service, Hospital, Fractures, Bone, Humans, Infant, Physical Examination, Risk Factors |
| Abstract | <p>Child abuse presents commonly to emergency departments. Emergency providers are confronted with medical, social, and legal dilemmas with each case. A solid understanding of the definitions and risk factors of victims and perpetrators aids in identifying abuse cases. Forensic examination should be performed only after the child is medically stable. Emergency providers are mandatory reporters of a reasonable suspicion of abuse. The role of the emergency provider is to identify abuse, facilitate a thorough investigation, treat medical needs, protect the patient, provide an unbiased medical consultation to law enforcement, and to provide an ethical testimony if called to court.</p> |
| DOI | 10.1016/j.emc.2013.04.003 |
| Alternate Journal | Emerg. Med. Clin. North Am. |
| PubMed ID | 23915607 |
Faculty Reference:
Aaron N. Leetch, MD, FACEP
Dale Woolridge, MD, PhD, FACEP
Weight:
0