Factors that facilitate or impede physicians who perform evaluations for child maltreatment

Physicians are needed to evaluate children for the possibility of maltreatment. In many communities, physicians are reluctant to evaluate children who may have been maltreated. Because it is unclear which factors facilitate and impede physicians' involvement in evaluations for child maltreatment, physicians were surveyed to identify these factors. The biggest obstacles identified were the time involved in doing an evaluation, scheduling cases, and problems dealing with the legal, judicial, and social service systems. Medical information, training, and follow-up about the disposition of cases would help physicians who participate in evaluations. Interventions that enhance communication and training across disciplines could also be effective in increasing physician involvement in child abuse evaluations.