G181(P) Reflections on safeguarding training: what new skills do paediatric trainees value?

• Published in: Archives of disease in childhood Vol. 100; no. Suppl 3; pp. A77 - A78
• Main Authors: Fawbert, KH, James, D, de Keyser, P, Fertleman, CR
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.04.2015
• ISSN: 0003-9888; 1468-2044
• DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2015-308599.175

AimsProviding effective safeguarding training to paediatric trainees is vital. The RCPCH approved 'Child Protection Recognition and Response Course' utilises pre-course and face-to-face components with role play communication scenarios, and assessment by senior paediatricians. We aimed to investigate common themes in learning which were beneficial in skill acquisition.Methods82 paediatric trainees participating in the 'Child Protection Recognition and Response Course' were given anonymous pre-course questionnaires and an on-line questionnaire six weeks afterwards. Four questions were posed utilising Likert scales, with an additional post-course free text question (Table 1, responses, Table 2, confidence scores and Table 3, most common themes).Abstract G181(P) Table 1ResponsesGradePre-course respondentsPost-course respondentsST117 (23%)4 (14%)ST228 (37%)8 (29%)ST312 (16%)2 (7%)ST413 (17.5%)11 (39%)Other5 (6.5%)3 (11%)Total75/82 (91%)28/82 (34%)Abstract G181(P) Table 2Confidence scoresQuestionMean pre-course score (1-5)Mean post-course score (1-5)Change in scoreHow confident do you feel about being able to identify the physical signs of child abuse?3.44.10.7How confident do you feel about being able to identify the non-physical signs of child abuse?2.83.81.0How confident do you feel when talking to a parent about child safeguarding concerns you have about their child?2.63.81.2How would you rate your knowledge about social services and legal processes relevant to child safeguarding situations?2.64.01.4Abstract G181(P) Table 3Most common themesTheme of learningNumber of respondentsUseful approaches when discussing safeguarding concerns with parents20Referral and legal processes in safeguarding16Consideration of family risk factors11Understanding of multi-disciplinary working9Improved knowledge of symptoms and signs of child abuse7ConclusionsTrainees had lowest perceived confidence scores in communicating safeguarding concerns with caregivers, and in relevant referral and legal processes. These were the two areas with the greatest improvement in mean confidence score after the course, although there was clear improvement in all domains. Additionally this was mirrored in the most frequent themes of valued learning: useful approaches when speaking to parents about safeguarding concerns and understanding referral and legal processes.