Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Unit

Synopsis

Paediatric Forensic Medicine encompasses the medico-legal issues arising from the provision of a medical service to children. The unit will largely focus on the medical assessment of suspected cases of child abuse. The aim of this unit is to develop student's skills in the evaluation and management of children suspected of being abused. Integral to both evaluation and management will be a knowledge of the relevant legislation, policing and protective agencies, injury patterns, specialised investigative techniques and treatment.

Objectives

On completion of this unit the student will be expected to:

1. demonstrate an understanding of the historical and sociological issues of child abuse;
2. describe the law as it applies to children with particular reference to protection of, and offences against children;
3. identify the relevant observation to make, and how to record and interpret them in cases of alleged child sexual abuse;
4. apply general medical and forensic principles in the evaluation of accidental and non accidental trauma in children.
5. describe the assessment and management of children suspected of being abused with particular reference to differential diagnosis, investigations and outcomes;
6. recognise the role of the forensic pathologist in the assessment of childhood deaths;
7. display a broad comprehension of the issues at the interface of children and the criminal justice system.

Assessment

Assignments / Essays (80%)
Skills Evaluation (20%)

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Anne Smith