Physical or psychological child abuse and neglect: Experiences,reporting behavior and positions toward mandatory reporting of pediatricians in Berlin,Germany |
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| Institution: | 1. Charité ? Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, CCM, Research Division of Mind and Brain, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany;2. Charité ? Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Turmstraße 21, 10559 Berlin, Germany;1. Social & Community Reintegration Research Program, Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, Bedford, MA, USA;2. Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA;3. VISN 1 New England MIRECC, Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, Bedford, MA, USA;4. University of Massachusetts Medical School, Addiction Division, Worcester, MA, USA;5. Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA;6. University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA;7. University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Department of Psychology, Las Vegas, NV, USA;1. The Ohio State University College of Medicine, 370 West 9th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;2. Center for Pediatric Trauma Research, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA;3. Center for Injury Research and Policy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA;4. The Center for Family Safety and Healing, Nationwide Children''s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA;5. Trauma Program, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA;1. Offord Centre for Child Studies, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, MIP 201A, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada;2. Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada;3. Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada;4. Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada;1. School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland;2. Health Service Executive, Cork, Ireland;1. Department of Nursing, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan;2. Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan;3. International Doctoral Program in Nursing, Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan |
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| Abstract: | BackgroundChild abuse and neglect (CAN) are common, with a high number of undetected victims. Since 2012, the German Federal Child Protection Act grants doctors an opportunity to circumvent their duty of confidentiality if they suspect CAN may be occurring, despite the reporting of CAN not being mandatory.ObjectiveThis study examines pediatricians’ reporting behavior in cases of CAN and what their attitudes are toward mandatory reporting.Participants and settingAll 378 primary care pediatricians and pediatric psychiatrists in the German capital of Berlin were asked to complete a questionnaire anonymously. The questionnaire was sent by mail to all primary care pediatricians (N = 302) and pediatric psychiatrists (N = 76) in private practice.MethodsPatterns of reporting, response tendencies, and correlations with socio-economic factors were described and statistically examined.ResultsThe response rate was 42% (N = 157). Of the pediatricians, 28% report every suspected case to the authorities. The majority, namely 73%, has difficulties in detecting CAN, and 64% would like additional training. Furthermore, 52% are aware of legally guaranteed counseling options being available if CAN is suspected. Whereas 71% consider mandatory reporting necessary to protect children more effectively, 57% are sure it would simplify their work.ConclusionsMore training on diagnosing CAN should be offered to pediatricians. It is necessary to have a full and frank discussion about making reporting mandatory in cases where there is a reasonable suspicion of CAN. Doctors believe that mandatory reporting standardizes and simplifies working procedures. It may possibly reduce the number of undetected cases of CAN and would allow more children and families access to early protection and supporting measures. |
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| Keywords: | Child abuse Child neglect CAN Pediatricians Reporting behavior Mandatory reporting |
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