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Feasibility of Using Child Maltreatment Measurement Instruments in the Primary Care Setting: A Systematic Review
1Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center Hershey, PA, United States.
Journal of Pediatric Nursing
|April 30, 2021
Summary
Primary care providers (PCPs) can now identify child maltreatment with recommended measurement instruments. This review evaluated tools for feasibility and psychometric quality, aiding in early detection and intervention for at-risk children.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- Clinical Practice
Background:
- Child maltreatment is a significant public health issue in the U.S., affecting millions of children annually.
- Primary care providers (PCPs) are uniquely positioned to identify victims but often lack adequate resources.
- Effective screening tools are crucial for early recognition and intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and evaluate child maltreatment measurement instruments.
- To determine the feasibility of using these instruments in U.S. primary care settings.
- To recommend validated instruments for PCP use.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycInfo databases (2014-2020).
- Eligibility criteria included U.S. studies, child maltreatment instruments, and subjects under 18.
- Sixteen identified instruments were assessed for feasibility based on psychometrics, administration, availability, and cost.
Main Results:
- Out of 3816 articles, 111 utilized child maltreatment measurement instruments.
- Six specific instruments were recommended for use by PCPs based on rigorous evaluation.
- The review highlights the importance of combining psychometric properties with practical feasibility criteria.
Conclusions:
- This is the first review to specifically assess child maltreatment measurement instruments for PCP use.
- Recommended instruments can aid PCPs in identifying children and families at risk or experiencing maltreatment.
- Implementation of these tools can improve early detection and support for affected children.
