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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 and Powell, Catherine. (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

Official Date:

February 2011

Dates:

Date	Event
February 2011	Published

Volume:

Vol.17

Number:

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:

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Education and Skills DfES, 2006.
2. HM Government. Children Act 2004. London: The Stationery Office, 2004.
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