AAP outlines steps to remain alert to, prevent sexual abuse by health care professionals

AAP Pediatrics. 2011; DOI:10.1542/peds2011-1244.

Issue: August 2011

In a policy statement published online this week, the American Academy of Pediatrics offers formal recommendations on how to remain aware of and possibly prevent sexual abuse by health care providers.

In the statement, the AAP’s Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect backs training at the student level regarding appropriate patient boundaries and chaperone use during medical visits, including the fact that parents should be informed that they can request a chaperone if they feel it is appropriate. The statement advocates training pediatricians and hospitals about proper techniques for genital examinations.

The policy also notes the importance of educating current physicians and pediatricians about the characteristics of sexual predators, and formally checking state and former employee records for any evidence of sexual impropriety.

Also included in the new the policy is a section about health care providers, as well as hospitals and clinics being legally mandated to report any reasonable suspicions of abuse to protective services.

In addition, the policy notes that because sexual abuse is frequently associated with long-term emotional, behavioral and other issues, including lack of trust, abuse by health care professionals, where trust is a paramount concern, health care professionals have a particular duty to remain vigilant.

"When children are abused by those who are entrusted with their medical care, the profession has the responsibility to take the necessary actions to protect future patients from harm by those providers," the authors of the policy statement wrote, adding that they should assist families affected by abuse by ensuring proper emotional support.

Disclosures: The researchers reported no relevant financial disclosures.

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