title: Child abuse and neglect.
abstract: Family physicians annually see a large number of children at risk for child abuse and neglect. Because of the family physician's orientation toward a vision of the family constellation as a whole rather than a grouping of individual members, and because of trained sensitivity and gravitation toward a generally humanistic approach to clinical problems, the family physician is well equipped to identify child abuse and neglect. An appropriate assessment and management scheme includes a well-documented history, a complete physical examination, clinical laboratory evaluation, utilization of consultation services, selection of a diagnostic category, and choice of disposition. The family physician's primary function rests in his ability to coordinate and facilitate the process of problem resolution while simultaneously supporting the family as an intact unit.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000517:prevention & control; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005190:Family; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008487:Medical History Taking; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010808:Physical Examination; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D012017:Referral and Consultation