If you suspect a non-accidental injury (NAI) in a patient, what is your course of action?

If you suspect a non-accidental injury (NAI) in a patient, what is your course of action?

• A. Document findings and reasons on paper and on RIS with a time/date stamp and save it under your name, then talk to the neglect/abuse team.
• B. Ignore and proceed with imaging.
• C. Tell the parent to leave the room.
• D. Ask the patient to sign a consent form.

Answer: (A)

When there is a suspicion of non-accidental injury, the priority is to safeguard the child and act promptly within the safeguarding framework. The best course is to document objectively what you observe with precise time and date stamps in the RIS or patient record and immediately notify the designated neglect/abuse or safeguarding team. This creates a clear, auditable trail and ensures the child is protected while an appropriate investigation starts. Do not ignore the concern or continue imaging without reporting, as that could put the child at further risk and may have legal implications. Asking the parent to leave the room or asking the patient to sign a consent form is not appropriate here; consent processes do not replace mandatory reporting, and safeguarding responsibilities take precedence. The safeguarding team will coordinate with child protection services and guide the next steps.

When there is a suspicion of non-accidental injury, the priority is to safeguard the child and act promptly within the safeguarding framework. The best course is to document objectively what you observe with precise time and date stamps in the RIS or patient record and immediately notify the designated neglect/abuse or safeguarding team. This creates a clear, auditable trail and ensures the child is protected while an appropriate investigation starts. Do not ignore the concern or continue imaging without reporting, as that could put the child at further risk and may have legal implications. Asking the parent to leave the room or asking the patient to sign a consent form is not appropriate here; consent processes do not replace mandatory reporting, and safeguarding responsibilities take precedence. The safeguarding team will coordinate with child protection services and guide the next steps.