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