SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Pediatric Hospitalists Experience With the Legal System in Child Maltreatment

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This study examined pediatric hospitalists in Arizona to understand their experience with, and training for, the legal aspects of child maltreatment cases. National guidelines emphasize that children’s hospitals should lead in care for abused and neglected children and ensure staff are trained to meet mandatory reporting duties. However, little research has focused on pediatric hospitalists’ experiences with reporting, testifying, and interacting with the legal system.<br /><br />A cross-sectional electronic survey was sent in June 2022 to pediatric hospitalists at seven of eight eligible medical centers in Arizona. Forty-seven hospitalists responded, representing a 50% response rate. The survey collected demographic information, prior training in legal processes, and experience with reporting child maltreatment and appearing in court.<br /><br />Most respondents had reported suspected child maltreatment (76.6%), and over one-third had received a subpoena (38.3%) or served as a court witness (31.9%). Despite this, only 51.1% felt adequately trained to report child maltreatment, and just 19.1% felt adequately trained to testify in court. More years of post-residency experience were associated with feeling more adequately trained to report maltreatment and testify in court.<br /><br />The findings suggest that while most pediatric hospitalists have direct experience with suspected maltreatment cases and reporting responsibilities, many do not feel prepared for court involvement. The authors conclude that future efforts should identify training gaps and improve education so pediatric hospitalists are better equipped to care for and support children with suspected maltreatment.

Asset Subtitle

Anna Kushnir

Meta Tag

Author List Anna Kushnir, Hamy Temkit, Jamie Librizzi, Nehal H. Thakkar

Category Research

Concept Child Maltreatment

Concept Pediatric Hospitalist

Concept Mandatory Reporting

Concept Court Testimony

Concept Training

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Phoenix Children's Hospital

Presenting Author Anna Kushnir

Track Pediatric

Keywords

pediatric hospitalists

child maltreatment

mandatory reporting

legal training

court testimony

subpoena

Arizona

hospital survey

child abuse

medical education

Child Maltreatment

Pediatric Hospitalist

Mandatory Reporting

Court Testimony

Training