26 Mar USPSTF Reviews Recommendations for Interventions to Prevent Child Maltreatment
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dr. Stevermer
James Stevermer, M.D., M.S.P.H.
Vice chair for clinical affairs
Professor of family and community medicine
University of Missouri
Medical director of MU Health Care Family Medicine–Callaway Physicians,
Dr. Stevermer joined the U.S. Preventive Service Task Force in January 2021.
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Child abuse and neglect is a serious problem that affects too many kids and teens across the United States. This type of maltreatment can have a profound effect on their health, development, and well-being, both when they are young and into adulthood.
MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?
Response: Unfortunately, when the Task Force looked at the available research on how clinicians can help children who aren’t showing signs of abuse or neglect, there was not enough evidence on the effectiveness of interventions such as counseling that aim to prevent maltreatment before it occurs.
MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?
Response: No child should suffer from abuse or neglect, which is why the Task Force is urgently calling for more research on what primary care clinicians can do to better protect kids.
Healthcare professionals should remain vigilant for signs of maltreatment but use their clinical judgment to decide whether and when to intervene if a child isn’t showing any signs or symptoms.
MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a results of this study?
Response: The Task Force identified several areas where we’d like to see additional research. There’s a critical need for more information on tools that can reliably and accurately identify children who are at increased risk for maltreatment. In addition, we need more information on effective interventions that measure outcomes in ways that limit bias, as well as those that help address social determinants of health that often negatively impact families. Future research should also study the potential harms children and their families may experience when risk assessments and preventive interventions are provided.
MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add? Any disclosures?
Response: It is important to note that this recommendation is not for any child who is showing signs or symptoms of maltreatment. Those children should be immediately evaluated and connected to the care they need to stay safe. Situations like this should also be reported to the appropriate authorities based on state laws.
Citations:
US Preventive Services Task Force. Primary Care Interventions to Prevent Child Maltreatment: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA. 2024;331(11):951–958. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.1869
US Preventive Services Task Force
USPSTF Recommendation: Interventions to Prevent Child Maltreatment
US Preventive Services Task Force; Susan J. Curry, PhD; Alex H. Krist, MD, MPH; Douglas K. Owens, MD, MS; Michael J. Barry, MD; Aaron B. Caughey, MD, PhD; Karina W. Davidson, PhD, MASc; Chyke A. Doubeni, MD, MPH; John W. Epling Jr, MD, MSEd; David C. Grossman, MD, MPH; Alex R. Kemper, MD, MPH, MS; Martha Kubik, PhD, RN; C. Seth Landefeld, MD; Carol M. Mangione, MD, MSPH; Michael Silverstein, MD, MPH; Melissa A. Simon, MD, MPH; Chien-Wen Tseng, MD, MPH, MSEE; John B. Wong, MD JAMA
US Preventive Services Task Force
USPSTF Review: Primary Care Interventions to Prevent Child Maltreatment
Meera Viswanathan, PhD; Caroline Rains, MPH; Laura C. Hart, MD; Emma Doran, MD; Nila Sathe, MA, MLIS; Kesha Hudson, PhD; Rania Ali, MPH; Daniel E. Jonas, MD, MPH; Roger Chou, MD; Adam J. Zolotor, MD, DrPH JAMA
Patient Information: Interventions to Prevent Child Maltreatment
Jill Jin, MD, MPH JAMA
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MedicalResearch.com: Editors’ notes: One resource for Child Abuse Support services:
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
Last Updated on March 26, 2024 by Marie Benz MD FAAD