Use of TeleCAM as a Remote Web-Based Application for Child Maltreatment Assessment, Peer Review, and Case Documentation

• NCJ Number: 224550
• Journal: Child Maltreatment Volume: 13 Issue: 4 Dated: November 2008 Pages: 368-376
• Author(s): Iona Maria Thraen; Lori Frasier; Chris Cochella; Joanne Yaffe; Patricia Goede
• Date Published: November 2008
• Length: 9 pages
• Grant Number(s): HD052329
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: For related articles in this special issue see NCJ-224546-49, and NCJ-224551-55

Annotation

This article discusses the usability of an Internet-based information technology tool, the Teleconsulting in Child Abuse Medicine (TeleCAM).

Abstract

This article presents a Web-based application the TeleCAM, which was developed for the remote sharing of child maltreatment assessment among multiple child protection providers. Qualitative findings are also summarized and satisfaction differences are reported between remote sites and their referral tertiary center. The work notes that approximately 1 million children are physically or sexually abused each year in the United States, and that accurate diagnosis of these children and subsequent extensive legal intervention requires a thorough clinical assessment as well as legal documentation. A detailed background is provided on the application features of TeleCAM and technical aspects such as data capture and workflow. Usability data was collected from medical personnel at three remote Utah Children's Advocacy Centers (CACs) in consultation with Primary Children’s Medical Center in Salt Lake City, and one urban tertiary children's hospital. One evaluator conducted all 11 of the interviews and observations on-site with the participants, all female nurses. Figures, tables, and references