Multidisciplinary Quality Improvement Approach to Standardize Care and Communication for Suspected Child Abuse Arriving to the ED

The Ann & Robert H. Children's Hospital of Chicago identified dissatisfaction with communication, expectations, and care during evaluation for suspected child abuse, which requires coordination among emergency department (ED) providers, child abuse pediatricians (CAPs), and social workers. The aim of this project was to develop and implement standard care and communication in the evaluation of suspected child abuse. A multi-disciplinary project team was convened and utilized quality improvement methodology to complete a barriers assessment and gap analysis. The project team developed a guideline with clear criteria and decision points. A scripting tool was also designed to standardize communication and increase transparency with families. The ED implemented this guideline for suspected child abuse in December 2018. Employing a quality improvement approach to streamlining communication and care for children presenting to the ED for suspected child abuse was effective for ensuring buy-in from team members.