Child Protection and Radiography: Clinical and Technical Issues

Abstract

The role of the radiographer in child protection has received little attention. This review considers issues which arise in this ®eld, highlighting the implications for those responsible for the management of child protection systems, for those responsible for training, and for sta in other specialisms and professions within the hospital. The dierent types of imaging technique are discussed with some comment on their advantages and disadvantages. Forced immobilisation is sometimes required, and consideration is given to the issues which arise for the radiographer and abused child in this process.

Maintaining the chain of evidence in child abuse cases

“…11 This is surprising given the nature of the radiographer's work. 11 This is surprising given the nature of the radiographer's work.…”

“…11 Radiographers are also well placed to detect possible signs of previous physical abuse, namely old or new bruises, fractures at different stages of healing, which they can draw to the attention of their medical colleagues (radiologist, senior house officer), whilst the child is still within the imaging department. Therefore it can be argued that they are well placed as members of a front line service to see children with, previously unsuspected, NAI.…”

“…11 The radiographer enters into the process and produces a legal document in the form of the radiograph(s). 11 The radiographer enters into the process and produces a legal document in the form of the radiograph(s).…”

“…11 Again this stresses the need for pairing of radiographers in such examinations. While previously possible common practice in paediatric radiography, it is now deemed unethical to forcibly restrain any child, particularly one which has been abused as this may cause the child to have flashbacks of the actual abusive situation.…”

Child protection and radiography: social and emotional context

“…A n earlier article (Sudbery, Hancock, Eaton and Hogg, 1997) reviewed some of the issues of technical choice and clinical management which arise during the medical imaging of child abuse. The present paper takes a broader perspective, highlighting the contextual knowledge, interpersonal skills and workplace support which are needed by the radiographer.…”