Detection of non-accidental injuries presenting at emergency departments.

OBJECTIVES To investigate whether cases of possible non-accidental injury as identified using five risk indicators give rise to any subjective concerns of child abuse. METHODS Questionnaires were completed by the triage nurse and attending doctor for every child attending the general hospitals of the North Western Health Board, with an injury, during a six month period. The questionnaires included an assessment of subjective concerns about the injury occurrence and five risk indicators of child abuse. RESULTS Children presenting with an injury who had two or more positive indicators failed to raise subjective concerns in the attending emergency department staff. CONCLUSIONS The introduction of a policy of identifying positive indicators from the five risk indicators of child abuse needs additional computer support within emergency departments.