Perceived needs of nurses in caring for abused children: A qualitative study

Child abuse is a public health concern with consequences for children and families. Nurses, as frontline providers, play a critical role in identifying, managing, reporting, and following up on abuse cases. This study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of nurses' perceived needs in caring for abused children in clinical settings.

This qualitative study was conducted in 2025 using conventional content analysis. Fifteen nurses experienced in caring for abused children were purposively recruited from two pediatric hospitals in Tehran, Iran. Data were collected through face-to-face, semi-structured interviews lasting 30-60 min and analyzed using the Graneheim and Lundman framework. Trustworthiness was ensured using Lincoln and Guba's criteria.

Data analysis yielded 11 subcategories grouped into three main categories: (1) development of skills and enhancement of professional competencies; (2) structural and procedural requirements for caring for abused children; and (3) organizational and legal support for nurses.

Caring for abused children requires a coordinated and multidimensional approach that addresses nurses' professional, emotional, organizational, and legal needs. Specialized education, communication and crisis-management skills, standardized clinical guidelines, manageable workloads, effective follow-up systems, and strengthened intersectoral collaboration are essential for improving care quality and supporting nurses in managing child abuse cases.

Findings highlight the importance of competency development, standardized care processes, and organizational support for nurses caring for abused children. Although conducted in Iran, these findings may inform nursing interventions in other contexts, with consideration of cultural and structural differences.