Recognizing Nonaccidental Trauma in a Pediatric Tertiary Hospital: A Quality Improvement Imperative.

ABSTRACT: Abusive injuries can go unrecognized or improperly managed by medical providers. This study sought to standardize the nonaccidental trauma (NAT) workup and improve NAT evaluation completion for children <7 months with concerning injuries in the pediatric emergency department (PED) and inpatient settings at an urban, tertiary care children's hospital.

Methods

The quality improvement (QI) team created hospital guidelines for suspected NAT, including age-based recommendations (care bundle). The team embedded an order for NAT evaluation into the electronic health record (EHR). The QI team provided education on child abuse identification and evaluation across the hospital. Hospital providers received written guides focused on enhancing communication with families. Outcome measures includ

SUBMITTER: Greene HM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10085517 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar-Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature