The intersection of child protection and healthcare: Paediatric social admissions

Objectives

In the context of a national shortage of specialist placements for children with complex needs in Ireland, this study examines the impact of healthcare professionals' management of paediatric social admissions (PSAs) in paediatric hospital settings, with particular attention to the child protection and welfare challenges encountered.

Design and Participants

A qualitative research design was utilised, employing semistructured interviews with healthcare professionals as the primary data collection method.

Findings

Thematic analysis of the interviews identified three principal themes: the spectrum of social admissions, influences and barriers, and the moral imperative of managing PSAs. The study found that social factors significantly influence the management and decision-making processes in paediatric cases, often resulting in prolonged hospital stays. The findings highlight complex child protection issues, including severe shortages in specialist placements and the frequent discharge of children to environments other than their homes.

Conclusions

The children involved in this study often remained in acute care settings for protracted periods, ranging from 6 months to several years. These extended stays deprived them of normal routines, education, and family life, underscoring substantial child protection concerns. This study calls for urgent systemic improvements to address these issues and ensure that the rights and well-being of children involved with PSAs are upheld.