Barriers to identification and reporting of child abuse and neglect experienced by medical officers and nursing staff in emergency departments of the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District.

OBJECTIVE: This structured survey sought to identify barriers to recognising and reporting potential child abuse by medical officers and nursing staff in the EDs of three Western Sydney hospitals. These include a large metropolitan teaching hospital, a small metropolitan hospital and a rural hospital. METHODS: A mixed approach of qualitative and quantitative study methodology was used to survey potential participants. The electronic survey was distributed to participants to assess knowledge and experiences with identifying child abuse presenting to the ED over a 6-month period. A descriptive analysis of the data was performed. RESULTS: A total of 121 responses were received from 340 potential participants, giving a participation rate of 35%. The majority of the respondents were senior medical officers (38/110, 34%) or registered nurses (35/110, 32%). The study participants perceived the lack of time as the most significant barrier to reporting child abuse (85/101, 84%). This was followed by a lack of education (35/101, 34%), resources (33/101, 32%) and support (30/101, 29%). CONCLUSION: The combination of hospital, departmental and individual staff issues such as time limitations, lack of resources, education and support are potential barriers to reporting suspected child abuse. We recommend tailored teaching sessions, improved reporting procedures and increased support from senior staff to overcome these barriers.

Child protection in the time of COVID-19.

As the number of cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2 rises exponentially in Australia with consequences for the health system and society at large, we need to remember that during this pandemic that necessary social distancing measures, effective school closures and rising unemployment levels may lead to an increased risk for child abuse and neglect.

Letters.

WHO HAS UPDATE ON RESEARCH EDUCATING DOCTORS A NATIONAL RESOURCE? A HOLISTIC APPROACH MORE SAMPLES NEEDED A USEFUL RESOURCE THE APPLIANCE OF SCIENCE WILL THE PRICE BE RIGHT? COMMUNITY NEEDS DISPARITY IN CARE BACK TO BASICS INFECTION MATTERS PREACHING TO THE CONVERTED? SUPPORT FOR STAFF A NURSE-LED DISCIPLINE INNOVATION NEEDED PRESCRIBING IMPLICATIONS.