Produce forensic images of children for signs of suspected physical abuse
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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obtain referral information from the relevant agency and confirm
the appropriateness of the referral
apply standard precautions for infection control and other
appropriate health and safety measures
verify and document that valid written consent has been obtained
in relation to forensic imaging examinations in accordance with
national and local guidelines
provide key people with appropriate information regarding the
imaging procedure
communicate with the child and/or key people in a way that is
appropriate to their needs
clearly explain the procedure and possible outcomes to key
people, including risk, benefits and limitations
ensure that confidentiality is maintained in relation to the present
case under judicial consideration
undertake the imaging in accordance with national guidelines to
obtain radiographic evidence
where required, apply appropriate techniques with the child in
order to acquire high quality images
ensure the images acquired are of high quality in order to be used
for diagnostic purposes
recognise any signs and symptoms of psychological distress in
the child and/or key people and take the appropriate action
document the findings and take appropriate action in line with
national guidelines
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
apply correct procedures to maintain continuity of radiographic
evidence from the start of the examination to its use in the court
ensure that correct procedures are followed to maintain standards
of digital evidence
ensure that all necessary documentation is completed for the
forensic radiographic examination
produce written statements and contemporaneous notes that
adhere to legal requirements
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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legal, organisational and policy requirements relevant to your role,
the role of others in your organisation and the activities being
carried out
the relevant national and local standards, guidelines, policies,
procedures and evidence-base that are available and how and
when they should be accessed
the legal requirements for radiographic images to be used in
court
the legal requirements for standards of digital evidence
continuity of evidence, including authenticity and integrity of
evidence, throughout the forensic radiographic examination
the national guidelines for forensic radiographic imaging and how
to implement these locally in forensic practice
the documentation and processes required to maintain continuity
of evidence
the legal requirements of a written statement and
contemporaneous notes
the requirement for written consent for forensic imaging purposes
the present case under judicial consideration in relation to forensic
radiographic imaging
how to give evidence in court and the roles of expert witness,
professional witness and witness
the psychological aspects of forensic imaging and the impact this
may have on individuals, children and key people
signs and symptoms of stress and how to minimise the risk of
post-traumatic stress disorder on self, colleagues, and key people
the limitations of your own knowledge and experience and the
importance of operating within your scope of practice
how to communicate with individuals and agencies involved in the
process of forensic imaging
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
methods of communicating difficult and complex information to
children and/or key people
the importance of providing key people with opportunities to ask
questions and increase their understanding
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the information that should be given to key people before, during
and on completion of the examination
the medico-legal justification for the referral for forensic imaging
the indications for a skeletal survey for suspected physical abuse
in children
the technical requirements for undertaking a skeletal survey for
suspected physical abuse in children
the modalities used for the imaging of suspected physical abuse
in children
the requirements for follow-up imaging for suspected physical
abuse in children
the injuries indicative of suspected physical abuse in children
the differential diagnoses that mimic suspected physical abuse in
children
image interpretation in relation to forensic imaging and crosssectional imaging and how to identify abnormalities on images
and take appropriate action
the protocols for imaging children
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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