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[Algorithm of battered children at entrance to a third-level pediatric hospital center]
A Loredo-Abdalá1, D Oldak-Skvirsky, L Carbajal-Rodríguez
1Depto. de Medicina Interna, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, México, D.F.
Insights
This study developed an algorithm for diagnosing and treating child maltreatment in pediatric hospitals. The algorithm aids healthcare professionals in identifying and managing cases of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Child Abuse and Neglect
- Medical Algorithms
Context:
- Child maltreatment presents complex diagnostic and treatment challenges.
- Factors influencing diagnosis are linked to the patient and their socio-familiar background.
- The National Institute of Pediatrics (INP) recognized the need for a structured approach.
Purpose:
- To establish a diagnostic and treatment algorithm for suspected child maltreatment.
- To standardize the management of hospitalized pediatric patients with maltreatment concerns.
- To compare outcomes and approaches with existing treatment protocols.
Summary:
- An algorithm was developed and implemented over 10 months at the INP's Internal Medicine Department.
- 37 patients were studied: 17 physical assault, 3 sexual abuse, 5 social deprivation, 9 psychological deprivation, 3 discharged (no maltreatment).
- The algorithm outlines critical steps for hospitalized patients with suspected maltreatment.
Impact:
- Provides a clear pathway for healthcare professionals encountering child maltreatment.
- Aims to improve the timely and accurate diagnosis and treatment of abused children.
- Contributes to better patient outcomes by standardizing care for vulnerable children.
Abstract:
Many factors intervene in the diagnosis and treatment of the battered child, including all types of maltreatment. This factors are related with the patient and his social familiar background. An algorithm was established at the Department of Internal Medicine of the National Institute of Pediatrics (INP) during 10 months, that indicates the steps to be followed when a patient with suspicion of maltreatment is hospitalized. The patients were compared with others, treated with the same problem, hospitalized in other services. 37 patients were studied from which, 17 were physically assaulted, 3 sexually abused, 5 socially deprived, 9 psychologically deprived and in 3 patients maltreatment was discharged. The final algorithm signals the routes to be followed when this type of patients enter a pediatric hospital. Battered child; algorithm in.