Has this child been abused? Exploring uncertainty in the diagnosis of maltreatment

Rebecca L Moles; Andrea G Asnes

doi:10.1016/j.pcl.2014.06.009

Has this child been abused? Exploring uncertainty in the diagnosis of maltreatment

Pediatr Clin North Am. 2014 Oct;61(5):1023-36. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2014.06.009. Epub 2014 Jul 19.

Authors

Rebecca L Moles¹, Andrea G Asnes²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, PO Box 208064, New Haven, CT 06510, USA. Electronic address: Rebecca.Moles@yale.edu.
² Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, PO Box 208064, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.

PMID: 25242713
DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2014.06.009

Abstract

Uncertainty in the diagnosis of abuse can have profound implications for the health and safety of the child, the emotional burden of a family, and investigative and criminal proceedings. A logical algorithm for addressing physical and sexual abuse cases that details aspects contributing to the uncertainty may aid the clinician in making a diagnosis and in communicating the crucial details to the relevant investigative agencies. This article defines and discusses uncertainty in the realms of physical and sexual abuse, and suggests an approach to managing uncertainty while still providing valuable information for the medical and child protective service systems.

Keywords: Bias; Child abuse; Child protective services; Physical abuse; Sexual abuse; Uncertainty.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Child
Child Abuse / diagnosis*
Child Welfare
Diagnosis, Differential
Humans
Physical Examination
Uncertainty*