Web Site Improves Child Abuse Evaluations: Children's Hospital Medical Center of Cincinnati Pioneers New Use of Telemedicine
CINCINNATI -- When physicians or law enforcement officials need a second opinion on child abuse cases, they may no longer have to send alleged victims to Children's Hospital Medical Center of Cincinnati. Now, thanks to telemedicine, they can get a consultation with Children's Hospital Medical Center of Cincinnati child abuse experts via the Internet.
Children's Hospital Medical Center of Cincinnati has set up a secure Web site where authorities can post digital photos and exchange information. The site is particularly useful for those who don't have expertise in child abuse, and for alleged victims from rural areas who won't have to make the long trip to Children's Hospital Medical Center of Cincinnati to be examined.
"This is a free service that saves police officers and social workers travel time, expense and wait, and it eliminates a great deal of inconvenience and further trauma for those who may have been victims of abuse," says Robert Shapiro, M.D., an Emergency Medicine physician at Children's Hospital Medical Center of Cincinnati.
Dr. Shapiro also directs a child advocacy center that is part of the Mayerson Center for Safe and Healthy Children, at Children's Hospital Medical Center of Cincinnati.
"In addition," adds Dr. Shapiro, "the medical evaluation is done by Emergency Medicine physicians at Cincinnati Children's who are experts in child abuse. So the opinion is not only faster but also better.
"This saves families, children and counties from possible unwarranted prosecution of alleged abusers and unwarranted removal of children from their homes. It also provides more 'muscle' for successful protection of child abuse victims and better services for the prosecution of offenders," Dr. Shapiro says.
Warren and Clermont counties have become the area's first two jurisdictions to sign on to the new service. Each county has its own Web page. When officials require a consultation, they can go to their page and check a calendar to determine which of Children's Hospital Medical Center of Cincinnati child abuse experts is assigned to the site for that day. The officials can choose to reach the expert immediately, send photos, or post questions. Children's Hospital Medical Center of Cincinnati child abuse experts can even participate "live" in child protection team meetings.
The advocacy center brings together the medical, justice, law enforcement, and social service systems to collaborate on cases of actual and suspected child abuse. The center is intended to create a much more child-friendly and healing experience for abused or neglected children and to help in the successful prosecution of perpetrators.
Pat Myers, L.I.S.W., director of Social Services, is associate director of the advocacy center. She and Dr. Shapiro have co-chaired Children's Hospital Medical Center of Cincinnati child abuse team since the mid '80s.
Contact Information
Jim Feuer,
jfeuer@chmcc.org, 513-636-4420
