RESUMO
Pediatric radiologists are frequently summoned to testify in court regarding the imaging of child abuse. This essay provides guidance on how to prepare for trial and what to expect in court. Preparation is paramount and includes meeting with the attorney and reviewing imaging studies, medical records and pertinent reports in anticipation of questioning in court. We also provide guidance to aid in testimony in court. Legal standards for testimony are discussed herein.
Assuntos
Maus-Tratos Infantis , Criança , Prova Pericial , Humanos , Prontuários MédicosRESUMO
The radiology report in a case of suspected child abuse is both a medical and a legal document. Such reports should be thorough, specific, well-constructed and without error. Structured templates and standardized reporting contribute to completeness, consistency and communication. Here, the authors discuss common reporting errors. Radiologists should be prepared that the radiology report in a case of suspected child abuse is likely to be used in court.
Assuntos
Maus-Tratos Infantis , Sistemas de Informação em Radiologia , Radiologia , Criança , HumanosRESUMO
Child abuse is a global public health concern. Injuries from physical abuse may be clinically occult and not appreciable on physical examination. Imaging is therefore critical in identifying and documenting such injuries. The radiologic approach for a child who has potentially been abused has received considerable attention and recommendations according to decades of experience and rigorous scientific study. Nonetheless, fringe beliefs describing alternative explanations for child abuse-related injuries have emerged and received mainstream attention. Subsequently, imaging findings identified in abused children have been attributed to poorly supported underlying medical conditions, clouding the evidence basis for radiologic findings indicative of nonaccidental trauma. Fringe beliefs that attribute findings seen in child abuse to alternate pathologies such as genetic disorders, birth trauma, metabolic imbalances, vitamin D deficiency, and short-distance falls typically have limited evidence basis and lack professional society support. Careful review of the scientific evidence and professional society consensus statements is important in differentiating findings attributable to child abuse from fringe beliefs used to discount the possibility that a child's constellation of injuries is consistent with abuse. This review refutes fringe beliefs used to provide alternative explanations in cases of suspected child abuse and reinforces the key literature and scientific consensus regarding child abuse imaging.
Assuntos
Maus-Tratos Infantis/diagnóstico , Diagnóstico por Imagem/métodos , Negação em Psicologia , Feminino , Humanos , Lactente , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética , Masculino , Radiologia , Reprodutibilidade dos Testes , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios XRESUMO
Pediatric radiologists have the professional and ethical duty to assist, inform and educate the legal system in regard to matters involving medical imaging in children. These guidelines, drafted by the Society for Pediatric Radiology Ethics Committee and approved by the Society for Pediatric Radiology Board of Directors, provide recommendations for expert legal testimony in pediatric radiology and codify minimal ethical norms for the pediatric radiology expert witness in legal proceedings.
Assuntos
Prova Pericial , Radiologia , Criança , Humanos , RadiologistasAssuntos
COVID-19 , Maus-Tratos Infantis , Diagnóstico por Imagem , Criança , Maus-Tratos Infantis/diagnóstico , Humanos , Pandemias , Radiologia , SARS-CoV-2 , Estados UnidosRESUMO
Pediatric radiology is an immensely rewarding career choice. Eight pediatric radiologists, enthusiastic for their profession, were asked six questions about their career choice. Their responses illustrate the common virtues of pediatric radiology and also demonstrate the diverse paths and activities that pediatric radiologists take and pursue.