Exploring Information-Gathering Techniques in Medical and Dental Interviews for Child Abuse and Neglect: A Comprehensive Scoping Review of Existing Gaps

Healthcare providers may regularly encounter victims of suspected child abuse or neglect. Conversations during medical evaluations and examinations may yield essential information and reliable accounts of a child’s experiences of abuse. However, knowledge of appropriate communication skills when interacting with suspected child abuse victims and information gathering techniques have not been well explored in healthcare providers. This scoping review assesses the state of the literature concerning medical interviewing in cases of child abuse and explores the communication and information gathering techniques used by healthcare providers when interacting with suspected child abuse victims. Ten studies were included in the analysis, collectively revealing a limited body of knowledge on information gathering techniques in child abuse cases in healthcare settings. Collecting a comprehensive medical history has emerged as a crucial tool for guiding medical examinations and assessments. The findings also highlight the absence of standardised guidelines for healthcare professionals to gather information from victims of child abuse. This review did not identify any studies that investigated the information gathering skills of oral healthcare providers in the context of child abuse. Further research is needed, and the creation of standardised protocols aimed at improving information gathering techniques within healthcare settings for cases of child abuse could prove beneficial. Improved communication and information gathering techniques can significantly contribute to the management of suspected cases of child abuse, safeguarding the well-being of vulnerable children.