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Suspected child abuse: cost in medical time and finance
1Accident and Emergency Department, Royal Liverpool Children's Hospital.
Insights
This study found that examining children for abuse at Royal Liverpool Children
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Child Abuse Forensics
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Child abuse allegations necessitate specialized medical examinations.
- The Royal Liverpool Children's Hospital (RLCH) provides these critical services.
- Understanding the scope and cost of these services is vital for resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the number and types of child abuse cases examined at RLCH.
- To assess the financial costs associated with these examinations and initial investigations.
- To evaluate the resources required for an effective child abuse assessment service.
Main Methods:
- Prospective data collection from July to December 1990.
- Recording of child attendances for abuse examinations at RLCH.
- Analysis of examination types, patient demographics, and referral sources.
- Assessment of hospital costs for examinations and investigations.
Main Results:
- 181 children were examined over a six-month period.
- Sexual abuse and non-accidental injury cases were equally represented.
- Girls constituted a higher proportion of cases, with 60% referred by social services.
- The six-month cost was £31,739, projecting an annual minimum of £63,500.
Conclusions:
- The initial assessment of suspected child abuse victims is resource-intensive.
- Significant financial and medical time investments are required for effective services.
- The findings highlight the considerable cost of providing specialized child protection services.
Abstract:
In a prospective study the number of children attending the Royal Liverpool Children's Hospital (RLCH) for examination after allegations of child abuse, and the type of abuse involved, was recorded from July to December 1990. The cost to the hospital of these examinations and initial investigations was assessed. The study was carried out in the major and minor accident and emergency departments and the Rainbow Centre of the RLCH. In six months 181 children were examined. Cases of sexual abuse and non-accidental injury were seen in equal numbers. Girls outnumbered boys and 60% were referred by social services. The costs over the six month period were 31,739 pounds. The minimum projected annual cost is 63,500 pounds. We conclude that the cost of running an effective service for the initial assessment of children who are possible victims of child abuse is considerable in practical terms and in medical time.