Produce forensic images of children for signs of suspected physical abuse

URN: SFHCI.N
Business Sectors (Suites): Clinical Imaging
Developed by: Skills for Health
Approved on: 01 Feb 2019

Overview

SFHCI.N SFHCI.N Forensic imaging is the undertaking of radiographic images in order to collect evidence to be presented in court or at formal hearings. It includes the taking of conventional radiographic images and crosssectional imaging. This standard covers the forensic imaging of children for signs of suspected physical abuse. Key people are those involved in the child's care and others involved in provision of services and includes the parents and carers of children being imaged. Users of this standard will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information


Performance criteria

You must be able to:

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  1. obtain referral information from the relevant agency and confirm

    the appropriateness of the referral

  2. apply standard precautions for infection control and other

    appropriate health and safety measures

  3. verify and document that valid written consent has been obtained

    in relation to forensic imaging examinations in accordance with

    national and local guidelines

  4. provide key people with appropriate information regarding the

    imaging procedure

  5. communicate with the child and/or key people in a way that is

    appropriate to their needs

  6. clearly explain the procedure and possible outcomes to key

    people, including risk, benefits and limitations

  7. ensure that confidentiality is maintained in relation to the present

    case under judicial consideration

  8. undertake the imaging in accordance with national guidelines to

    obtain radiographic evidence

  9. where required, apply appropriate techniques with the child in

    order to acquire high quality images

  10. ensure the images acquired are of high quality in order to be used

    for diagnostic purposes

  11. recognise any signs and symptoms of psychological distress in

    the child and/or key people and take the appropriate action

  12. document the findings and take appropriate action in line with

    national guidelines

  13. explain the importance of follow-up imaging to key people

    involved in the childs care and ensure that procedures are in

    place to facilitate the childs return for the follow-up examination

  14. apply correct procedures to maintain continuity of radiographic

    evidence from the start of the examination to its use in the court

  15. ensure that correct procedures are followed to maintain standards

    of digital evidence

  16. ensure that all necessary documentation is completed for the

    forensic radiographic examination

  17. produce written statements and contemporaneous notes that

    adhere to legal requirements

  18. record, collate and prepare appropriate information,

    documentation and images for transfer or storage according to

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    local protocols

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Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

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  1. legal, organisational and policy requirements relevant to your role,

    the role of others in your organisation and the activities being

    carried out

  2. the relevant national and local standards, guidelines, policies,

    procedures and evidence-base that are available and how and

    when they should be accessed

  3. the legal requirements for radiographic images to be used in

    court

  4. the legal requirements for standards of digital evidence

  5. continuity of evidence, including authenticity and integrity of

    evidence, throughout the forensic radiographic examination

  6. the national guidelines for forensic radiographic imaging and how

    to implement these locally in forensic practice

  7. the documentation and processes required to maintain continuity

    of evidence

  8. the legal requirements of a written statement and

    contemporaneous notes

  9. the requirement for written consent for forensic imaging purposes

  10. the present case under judicial consideration in relation to forensic

    radiographic imaging

  11. how to give evidence in court and the roles of expert witness,

    professional witness and witness

  12. the psychological aspects of forensic imaging and the impact this

    may have on individuals, children and key people

  13. signs and symptoms of stress and how to minimise the risk of

    post-traumatic stress disorder on self, colleagues, and key people

  14. the limitations of your own knowledge and experience and the

    importance of operating within your scope of practice

  15. how to communicate with individuals and agencies involved in the

    process of forensic imaging

  16. how to adapt communication styles, ask questions, and listen

    carefully in ways which are appropriate for the needs of the child

    and/or key people

  17. methods of communicating difficult and complex information to

    children and/or key people

  18. the importance of providing key people with opportunities to ask

    questions and increase their understanding

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  19. the information that should be given to key people before, during

    and on completion of the examination

  20. the medico-legal justification for the referral for forensic imaging

  21. the indications for a skeletal survey for suspected physical abuse

    in children

  22. the technical requirements for undertaking a skeletal survey for

    suspected physical abuse in children

  23. the modalities used for the imaging of suspected physical abuse

    in children

  24. the requirements for follow-up imaging for suspected physical

    abuse in children

  25. the injuries indicative of suspected physical abuse in children

  26. the differential diagnoses that mimic suspected physical abuse in

    children

  27. image interpretation in relation to forensic imaging and crosssectional imaging and how to identify abnormalities on images

    and take appropriate action

  28. the protocols for imaging children

  29. how to keep full, accurate and clear records in line with

    organisational procedures

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Scope/range


Scope Performance


Scope Knowledge


Values


Behaviours


Skills


Glossary


Links To Other NOS


External Links

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This standard links with the following dimension within the NHS

Knowledge and Skills Framework (October 2004):

Dimension: HWB6 Assessment and Treatment Planning

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Version Number

1

Indicative Review Date

01 Feb 2024

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Skills for health

Original URN

sfhci.n

Relevant Occupations

Health Professionals

SOC Code

2259

Keywords

Radiography; Forensic; Diagnostic; Clinical; Images; Children; Abuse