International guidelines for the imaging investigation of suspected child physical abuse (IGISPA): a protocol for a modified Delphi consensus study
Abstract
Introduction Radiological imaging is a central facet of the multidisciplinary evaluation of suspected child physical abuse. Current guidelines for the imaging of suspected child physical abuse are often unclear, incomplete and highly variable regarding recommendations on critical questions, thereby risking clinical heterogeneity, unstructured decision-making and missed diagnoses. We, therefore, aim to develop and report an evidence-based and consensus-derived international guideline for the radiological investigation of index and contact children in the context of suspected physical abuse and to ascertain areas of scientific uncertainty to inform future research priorities. Methods and analysis The international guidelines for the imaging investigation of suspected child physical abuse (IGISPA) consensus group includes formal representation from 127 recognised experts across 14 subspecialties, six continents and 32 national and/or international organisations. Participants will be divided into five longitudinal subgroups (indications for imaging, skeletal imaging, visceral imaging, neuroimaging and postmortem imaging) with three cross-cutting themes (radiography, genetics and adaptations for low- and lower-middle-income countries). Each subgroup will develop preliminary consensus statements via integration of current evidence-based guidelines, systematic literature review and the clinical expertise of a multinational group of experts. Statements will then undergo anonymised…
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