Barriers to and Consequences of Mandated Reporting of Child Abuse by Nurse Practitioners

IntroductionThe objective of this study was to examine the experiences of pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) in the identification and management of child abuse, determine the frequency of their reporting, and describe the effects, attitudes, and confidence in reporting child abuse.MethodsA survey based on the 2006 CARES survey was disseminated via e-mail through use of Survey Monkey to 5,764 PNP members of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. The data from this survey were then subjected to statistical analysis, and the resultant findings were compared and contrasted with other similar studies.ResultsData analysis revealed that smaller numbers of PNPs in the sample group failed to report suspected child abuse than did their physician colleagues. PNPs and physicians encountered similar perceived barriers to reporting and used similar processes in dealing with them. Both physicians and PNPs with recent child abuse continuing education hours expressed greater confidence in child abuse management skills and were more likely to report suspected cases of abuse.DiscussionMuch information was learned about PNP reporting practices regarding child abuse. The most significant facts that emerged from this study were that all health care providers require further child abuse education, both in their curriculum preparation and continuing education, to effectively diagnose and manage child abuse.