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<< Child Physical Abuse: A State-Of-The-Art Approach
Critical Appraisal Of The Literature
While there is no dearth of literature related to child abuse, it can be challenging to identify truly significant
studies. Large, randomized trials are rare. Most of the published literature consists of retrospective studies and even case reports.
Even so, quality literature has emerged, especially in recent years. Issues related to shaken-baby syndrome and the prevention of child abuse have been the subject of much recent study. Organizations such as the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect (http://nccanch.acf.hhs.gov/)1 and the National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse2,3 provide up-to-date statistics as well as general information, including resources for professionals.
A number of specialty societies have developed guidelines concerning child abuse, many of which are
evidence-based. Most prominent among these is the American Academy of Pediatrics (especially the Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect), which has produced several reports and policy statements and continues to be at the forefront of ongoing analysis.4-11 The American College of Emergency Physicians has also produced a policy statement on child abuse.12
Results from the studies such as the upcoming CARES Study, a national study of 500 practitioners
designed to describe the incidence of potential child abuse seen in practice, examine factors that affect
diagnosis and management, and obtain expert opinion on the sample cases, could help round out the literature.13
studies. Large, randomized trials are rare. Most of the published literature consists of retrospective studies and even case reports.
Even so, quality literature has emerged, especially in recent years. Issues related to shaken-baby syndrome and the prevention of child abuse have been the subject of much recent study. Organizations such as the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect (http://nccanch.acf.hhs.gov/)1 and the National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse2,3 provide up-to-date statistics as well as general information, including resources for professionals.
A number of specialty societies have developed guidelines concerning child abuse, many of which are
evidence-based. Most prominent among these is the American Academy of Pediatrics (especially the Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect), which has produced several reports and policy statements and continues to be at the forefront of ongoing analysis.4-11 The American College of Emergency Physicians has also produced a policy statement on child abuse.12
Results from the studies such as the upcoming CARES Study, a national study of 500 practitioners
designed to describe the incidence of potential child abuse seen in practice, examine factors that affect
diagnosis and management, and obtain expert opinion on the sample cases, could help round out the literature.13
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