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Published on: August 5, 2014
Abusive head trauma: a consensus statement on a shared workflow model within the Balkan network for quality
Monica Concato1, Maximo Leonardo Franzoni1, Tijana Petrović2
1Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.
Insights
Abusive head trauma (AHT) is a major cause of infant fatalities. This study aimed to create standardized forensic guidelines for managing AHT cases, improving consistency in care.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Medicine
- Pediatric Traumatology
- Child Abuse Research
Background:
- Abusive head trauma (AHT) is a leading cause of infant mortality due to physical abuse.
- Incidence rates of AHT are significant, with high mortality rates.
- Lack of standardized international guidelines causes variability in forensic case management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the absence of internationally recognized best practices in forensic AHT case management.
- To establish a shared platform for experts from Italy and Balkan countries to discuss AHT forensic handling.
- To develop a unified workflow chart for managing complex AHT cases within a collaborative network.
Main Methods:
- Formation of a comparative working group with international experts.
- Facilitation of a shared discussion platform for forensic AHT case management.
- Identification of strengths and critical issues in current forensic practices for AHT.
Main Results:
- Established a collaborative network of forensic experts.
- Identified key challenges and best practices in AHT forensic investigations.
- Initiated the development of a shared workflow chart for consistent case management.
Conclusions:
- A collaborative approach is crucial for standardizing AHT forensic management.
- Developing shared protocols can mitigate methodological variability.
- The initiative aims to improve the accuracy and consistency of AHT case handling and reduce infant mortality.
Abstract:
Abusive head trauma (AHT), is considered a leading cause of fatalities resulting from physical abuse in infants under 2 years of age, with a peak incidence between 1 and 2 months after birth. The incidence of AHT ranges from 14 to approximately 40 cases per 100,000 children in industrialized countries with a mortality rate ranging from 10 to 20%. The absence of internationally recognized best practices or guidelines especially in the field of forensic medicine has resulted in methodological variability in the management of these cases across different settings. In response to this gap, a comparative working group involving experts from Italy and the Balkan countries was established, leading to the creation of a shared discussion platform. The aim of this collaborative effort was to identify strengths and critical issues in the forensic handling of abusive head trauma, ultimately with the goal of developing a shared workflow chart for the management of these complex cases within the network.
