Key Points
Question
Are clinical guidelines for the early detection and diagnostic workup of child physical abuse complete, clear, and consistent across high-income countries?
Findings
In this systematic review that included 20 clinical guidelines issued in 15 countries, guidelines were clear but incomplete and discrepant, particularly in the definition of sentinel injuries and in recommendations for exploratory laboratory testing and advanced imaging.
Meaning
This systematic review found a lack of standardized guidelines for the identification and management of child physical abuse, which may contribute to practice variation.
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