A-TEAM: An Interprofessional Approach to Mandated Reporting in the Hospital Setting

Tanika Eaves; Linda Roney; Joshua Neitlich; Katherine Knapik; Kayla Lapointe

doi:10.1016/j.pedhc.2022.12.008

A-TEAM: An Interprofessional Approach to Mandated Reporting in the Hospital Setting

J Pediatr Health Care. 2023 May-Jun;37(3):e1-e5. doi: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2022.12.008. Epub 2023 Jan 20.

Authors

Tanika Eaves¹, Linda Roney², Joshua Neitlich², Katherine Knapik², Kayla Lapointe²

Affiliations

¹ Tanika Eaves, Assistant Professor of Social Work, Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies, Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT.; Linda Roney, Associate Professor of Nursing, Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies, Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT.; Joshua Neitlich, Director of Field Education, Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies, Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT.; Katherine Knapik, Labor and Delivery Nurse, Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies, Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT.; Kayla Lapointe, MSW Candidate, Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies, Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT.. Electronic address: [email protected].
² Tanika Eaves, Assistant Professor of Social Work, Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies, Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT.; Linda Roney, Associate Professor of Nursing, Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies, Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT.; Joshua Neitlich, Director of Field Education, Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies, Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT.; Katherine Knapik, Labor and Delivery Nurse, Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies, Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT.; Kayla Lapointe, MSW Candidate, Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies, Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT.

PMID: 36682970
DOI: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2022.12.008

Abstract

Reporting suspected child maltreatment in pediatric settings presents unique challenges. Variation in mandated reporter training may lead to discomfort and emotional dysregulation. Failure to collaborate inter-professionally potentially results in suboptimal care for vulnerable children and families. A-TEAM promotes awareness, transparency, empathy, a nonjudgmental strategy, and management by an interprofessional team when referring patients for child protective services evaluation. A faculty trained in pediatric trauma nursing led the development of A-TEAM. Integrating nursing and social work expertise protects the integrity of family-centered patient care. The A-TEAM approach may be a valuable contribution to the continuing education of pediatric health care professionals.

Keywords: Mandated reporting; interprofessional practice; trauma nursing.

MeSH terms

Child
Child Abuse* / diagnosis
Child Abuse* / prevention & control
Health Personnel* / education
Hospitals
Humans
Interprofessional Relations
Mandatory Reporting
Patient Care Team
Social Work