Evaluating child abuse cases. Guidelines for the physician-in-training.

Abstract

Each year, nearly two million children in the United States are abused sexually, physically, or emotionally. In an attempt to assist resident and staff physicians in the evaluation of maltreated infants, children, and teenagers, the author outlines standards for interviewing abused pediatric patients and their families, performing a physical examination, and planning follow-up strategies. These methods can be implemented by any physician, regardless of his prior training, specialty, or experience with pediatric patients.