NCJ Number
170927
Journal
Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: 22 Issue: 3 Dated: (March 1998) Pages: 159-169
Date Published
1998
Length
11 pages
Annotation
After assessing the responsiveness and attitudes of Australian medical practitioners in reporting suspected child abuse or neglect, this study determined whether characteristics of the medical practitioners (specialist or generalist, rural or urban-based, age since graduation, gender, and having children of their own) influenced responsiveness in reporting suspected child abuse and neglect.
Abstract
The study surveyed all members of the Australian College of Pediatrics in Queensland (Australia) and pediatric registrars at a tertiary training hospital in Brisbane (n = 124) and a random sample of Queensland general practitioners (n = 100). The survey requested demographic data, responses to three case vignettes suggestive of possible physical abuse or neglect, and details of suspected child abuse or neglect reporting behavior. Findings show a wide range of responses to the case vignettes, but responses did not vary among specialties. Forty-three percent of all doctors had at some time considered a case as suspected child abuse or neglect and decided not to report it, despite a legal mandate to do so. General practitioners were more cautious about reporting. The reasons for not reporting were many, but a frequently stated reason was perceived problems in the services available for the child and family once a report was made. The study concluded that there is need for continuing education of medical practitioners regarding symptoms and signs of physical abuse and the role of doctors in the multidisciplinary management of child abuse. To some extent, children's outcome when presenting to medical practitioners as a result of child abuse or neglect is no better than a lottery that is dependent on which doctor happens to manage their case. 5 tables and 22 references