Conducting the Medical History

• Published in: Journal of child sexual abuse Vol. 20; no. 5; pp. 486 - 504
• Main Authors: Finkel, Martin A., Alexander, Randell A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Taylor & Francis Group 01-09-2011; Routledge; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Abused children; Adolescents; Child; Child Abuse; Child abuse & neglect; Child Abuse, Sexual - diagnosis; Child Health; Child Health Services - organization & administration; Child Sexual Abuse; Child Welfare; Children; Clinical Competence; Clinical Diagnosis; Evaluation; Family medical history; Female; Forensic Medicine - methods; Health; Health Care Services; health focus; Humans; legal issues with medical history; Male; Medical Evaluation; Medical history; Medical History Taking - methods; medical interview; Medicine; Parents; Parents & parenting; Pediatrics - education; Physical Examination - methods; Physical Examinations; Professional-Family Relations; Professional-Patient Relations; Reassurance; Self Disclosure (Individuals); Sex crimes; Sexual Abuse; timing of examination; Victims of Crime; Well Being; Wellbeing
• ISSN: 1053-8712; 1547-0679
• DOI: 10.1080/10538712.2011.607406

A key portion of the medical evaluation of child sexual abuse is the medical history. This differs from interviews or histories obtained by other professionals in that it is focuses more on the health and well-being of the child. Careful questions should be asked about all aspects of the child's medical history by a skilled, compassionate, nonjudgmental, and objective clinician. Often the diagnosis of sexual abuse is based only on the medical history. The history can be further understood by knowledge of how children are abused and their reactions to it. By addressing the child's and parent's concerns, reassurance can also be provided about what is normal and abnormal with the child's body.