The interagency approach in Barbados for an infant with unexplained injuries

Despite only having one tertiary institution on the island, Barbados has eight other community clinics where free healthcare is obtained and numerous private options where one can access care. Ultimately, any significant or urgent case is referred to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for further management. In the case of unexplained injuries in an infant, regardless of the route of healthcare access, the interagency approach ultimately involves other key entities. An interagency approach encompasses collaboration among various organizations to address this complex issue. This written work will highlight what works well and discuss the challenges faced when approaching unexplained injuries in an infant.

The interagency approach in Barbados to the management of an infant with unexplained injuries has the tendency to be a long process that occurs over weeks to months. However, the collaboration and teamwork that occurs between agencies for each case is and admirable feat that often leads to improved circumstances for the child of concern. It is acknowledged that, when compared to first world countries, the time taken for this multidisciplinary approach to garner any plausible result be seem mindboggling but it is a system that leads to thorough assessment of the child's physical state as well as the home circumstances and for that Barbados should be proud. Once the Child Protection Bill is passed in parliament then a greater push can be made at holding persons accountable for non-accidental injury in this country.