Improving screening for child physical abuse in the emergency department

Abstract

Children often present to the emergency department (ED) for treatment of abuse-related injuries. ED healthcare providers (HCPs) do not consistently screen children for physical abuse, which may allow abuse to go undetected and increases the risk for re-injury and death secondary to escalating abuse. The purpose of this evidence-based, quality improvement project was to implement a comprehensive program to increase ED HCP screening for and recognition of child physical abuse.