Nurses’ role in detecting child abuse

This paper forms part of the DHSc thesis of Susan Platt, 2023

Introduction

There is a knowledge gap around the experiences of New Zealand (NZ) primary health care (PHC) registered nurses and nurse practitioners when working with children whom they suspect are being abused or neglected.

Aim

This study aimed to explore what PHC nurses experience when building and nurturing family and interdisciplinary relationships amidst a suspicion that a child is being abused or neglected.

Methods

Using contacts and snowballing to recruit participants, 13 PHC nurses working in the Auckland region were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. Gadamerian hermeneutics guided the analysis, with other philosophers drawn on to deepen the analysis.

Results

Relationship building is precarious due to trust issues, tensions around reporting, and complex power relations. Nurses are central to coordinating interprofessional care.

The researcher’s current research activities

• Mixed methods research project being planned: Registered health, education and social care professionals' responses to Child Maltreatment
• Umbrella review in analysis stage: Nursing interventions/strategies used in a healthcare role when caring for children who have experienced child abuse: An umbrella review

Discussion

Building relationships with families, children, and colleagues is fundamental to child protection. It is only by knowing what building and nurturing relationships is like amidst suspicion of child abuse or neglect that those whom nurses work with can understand what this work is like. Associated link: Platt S, Zambas S, Spence D, Cook C. Primary health care nurses and their suspicion of child abuse: the importance of relationship-building with families and interdisciplinary networks. Journal of Primary Health Care 2025; https://doi.org/10.1071/HC25016