Published: 14/08/2019

Child protection

Anaesthetists may encounter children who have suffered physical and/or sexual abuse including resuscitation, intensive care as well as the routine pre-op examination. In all these situations, it is essential that healthcare professionals, including the anaesthetist, act in the best interests of the child

Minimum acceptable learning outcomes:

  • Knows that Non-Accidental Injury [NAI] of children is not uncommon and is encountered by anaesthetists
  • Demonstrates knowledge of local procedures for safeguarding children
Knowledge

Competence

Description

Assessment

Methods

GMP

CP_BK_01

Discusses the importance of knowing that NIA is not uncommon, is encountered by anaesthetists, that they must act in the child’s best interests and that all hospitals must have a written protocol for its management

C

1,2,3,4

CP_BK_02

Understands the Child Protection procedures in their current hospital situation, who leads the process and how they may be contacted [including out of hours]

C

1,3

CP_BK_03

Describes situations in which abuse of children may present to anaesthetists including, but not exclusively, during care of the injured child whose injury cannot be wholly explained by natural circumstances or during the course of routine perioperative anaesthetic care when unusual or unexplained signs which may indicate abuse are found  

A,C

1,2,4

CP_BK_04

Describes signs indicative of a possible need to safeguard the infant, child or young person

C

1,2,3,4

CP_BK_05

Describes the importance of communicating concerns within the team and asking for senior help and/or paediatrician support when appropriate

C

1,2,3,4

CP_BK_06

Outlines the importance of acting in the best interests of the child throughout any investigation of NAI

C

1,2,3,4

Skills

Competence

Description

Assessment

Method

GMP

CP_BS_01

Demonstrates the ability and willingness to clearly communicate concerns, verbally and in writing

C,M

1,2,3 4

CP_BS_02

Demonstrates the ability to manage the child and parents in a sensitive, appropriate manner

C,M

1,2,3,4

Further information: See e-Learning module on child protection