Role of the tertiary child protection paediatrician: Expert and advocate

Abstract

The role of the child protection paediatrician is varied. This study examines perceptions of how tertiary child protection (tCP) paediatricians view their multifaceted roles, perceived adequacy of length of pre-FRACP training and how this relates to confidence and satisfaction in their roles. An anonymous self-report survey was distributed to child protection paediatricians working in tertiary hospitals across New Zealand and Australia. The survey addressed the adequacy of training and confidence within the diverse roles encountered within child protection work. It also identified perceptions of stress and satisfaction. Responses were received from 32 out of 45 of eligible tCP paediatricians (72%). The majority (71.8%) had entered directly into a tCP unit in their first consultant position. Two-thirds (65.7%) of tCP paediatricians received less than 4 months of pre-FRACP child protection training while a third received no training at all. Generally tCP paediatricians perceived their training in all domains of child protection to be inadequate although their current confidence levels in all roles are high. They expressed most concerns within their role as forensic expert. Despite receiving little or no training pre-FRACP in child protection, this group of tCP paediatricians function in their specialised roles in tCP and feel confident in fulfilling the dimensions of forensic expert and child advocate. As the field of medical child protection continues to evolve, it is important for training to keep pace with expectations of the varied roles of the paediatric specialist in child protection.