Responses to concerns about child maltreatment: a qualitative study of GPs in England.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To provide a rich description of current responses to concerns related to child maltreatment among a sample of English general practitioners (GPs).

Design

In-depth, face-to-face interviews (November 2010 to September 2011). Participants selected and discussed families who had prompted 'maltreatment-related concerns'. Thematic analysis of data.

Setting

4 general practices in England.

Participants

14 GPs, 2 practice nurses and 2 health visitors from practices with at least 1 'expert' GP (expertise in child safeguarding/protection).

Results

The concerns about neglect and emotional abuse dominated the interviews. GPs described intense and long-term involvement with families with multiple social and medical problems. Narratives were distilled into

SUBMITTER: Woodman J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3855649 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature