Impact of Project ECHO on Community ED Providers' Perceptions of Child Abuse Knowledge and Access to Subspecialists for Child Abuse and Neglect

Abstract

Problem Identification: Victims of child abuse and/or neglect (CAN) are frequently cared for in emergency departments (EDs) where providers must recognize and report injuries suggestive of CAN to prevent additional injury or death. Almost 90% of pediatric visits occur in community EDs with limited access to subspecialty CAN consultation.1 Abusive injuries are missed more frequently in these EDs compared to pediatric EDs.2,3 Efforts to improve CAN care in EDs have been limited to screening instruments and sporadic educational interventions.