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Developing effective child death review : a study of ‘early starter’ child death overview panels in England

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Sidebotham, Peter, Fox, John, Basarab-Horwath, Janet Anne, 1952- and Powell, Catherine, Dr.. (2011) Developing effective child death review : a study of ‘early starter’ child death overview panels in England. Injury Prevention, Vol.17 (S1). i55-i63. ISSN 1353-8047

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/ip.2010.027169

Abstract

Aim This qualitative study of a small number of child death overview panels aimed to observe and describe their experience in implementing new child death review processes, and making prevention recommendations. Methods Nine sites reflecting a geographic and demographic spread were selected from Local Safeguarding Children Boards across England. Data were collected through a combination of questionnaires, interviews, structured observations, and evaluation of documents. Data were subjected to qualitative analysis. Results Data analysis revealed a number of themes within two overarching domains: the systems and structures in place to support the process; and the process and function of the panels. The data emphasised the importance of child death review being a multidisciplinary process involving senior professionals; that the process was resource and time intensive; that effective review requires both quantitative and qualitative information, and is best achieved through a structured analytic framework; and that the focus should be on learning lessons, not on trying to apportion blame. In 17 of the 24 cases discussed by the panels, issues were raised that may have indicated preventable factors. A number of examples of recommendations relating to injury prevention were observed including public awareness campaigns, community safety initiatives, training of professionals, development of protocols, and lobbying of politicians. Conclusions The results of this study have helped to inform the subsequent establishment of child death overview panels across England. To operate effectively, panels need a clear remit and purpose, robust structures and processes, and committed personnel. A multiagency approach contributes to a broader understanding of and response to children’s deaths.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	R Medicine > RJ Pediatrics
Divisions:	Faculty of Medicine > Warwick Medical School > Mental Health and Wellbeing Faculty of Medicine > Warwick Medical School
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Children -- Mortality, Death -- Causes
Journal or Publication Title:	Injury Prevention
Publisher:	BMJ Group
ISSN:	1353-8047
Date:	February 2011
Volume:	Vol.17
Number:	S1
Page Range:	i55-i63
Identification Number:	10.1136/ip.2010.027169
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Access rights to Published version:	Open Access
Funder:	Great Britain. Dept. for Children, Schools and Families
References:	1. HM Government. Working Together to Safeguard Children. London: Department for Education and Skills DfES, 2006. 2. HM Government. Children Act 2004. London: The Stationery Office, 2004. 3. Durfee M, Durfee DT, West MP. Child fatality review: an international movement. Child Abuse Negl 2002;26:619e36. 4. Bunting L, Reid C. Reviewing child deathselearning from the American experience. Child Abuse Review 2005;14:82e96. 5. Rimsza ME, Schackner RA, Bowen KA, et al. Can child deaths be prevented? The Arizona Child Fatality Review Program experience. Pediatrics 2002;110:e11. 6. Onwuachi-Saunders C, Forjuoh SN, West P, et al. Child death reviews: a gold mine for injury prevention and control. Inj Prev 1999;5:276e9. 7. Gellert GA, Maxwell RM, Durfee MJ, et al. Fatalities assessed by the Orange County child death review team, 1989 to 1991. Child Abuse Negl 1995;19:875e83. 8. Sidebotham P, Fox J, Horwath J, et al. Preventing childhood deaths: an observational study of child death overview panels in England. London: Department for Children, Schools and Families, 2008. 9. Sidebotham P, Fleming P, Fox J, et al. Responding when a child dies (CD Rom). London: Department for Children, Schools and Families, 2008.
URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/4136