Prediction of child abuse in an ambulatory setting.

A prospective random study was performed on 476 patients, up to 2 years of age, by full-time registered nurses in the emergency room. The parent (caretaker) and child were assessed in an effort to predict child abuse. The incidence of abuse rose from 2.5% to 15.2% if one or more abnormal features were present in parent or child (p less than .0003). Abuse developed in 19% of unkempt children and 28% of children with abnormal bruises, burns, or bites. The incidence of abuse increased to 42% (P less than .002) when these factors were present together. An unkempt child with an abnormal parenting pattern and a 30% chance of being abused (P = .007).

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes