Qualitative Analysis of Operational Deliverables of the PGH-Child Protection Unit and Child Protection Network in Advancing the Care Continuum for Child Maltreatment: A Roadmap for Setup and Evaluation

Abstract

Objective. Our goal is to identify an operational roadmap of core elements in the set-up of the Philippines General Hospital Child Protection Unit (PGH-CPU) established in 1997, and Child Protection Network (CPN) established in 2002. This roadmap will guide future improvement needs for PGH-CPU and CPN and could help accelerate the set-up of future child protection units or networks.

Methods. Using the 5 pillars of the Care Continuum for Child Maltreatment for categorization of deliverables — multidisciplinary intervention, training, governance, research/publication, and prevention — we identified operational deliverables (excluding patient numbers and outcomes) of the PGH-CPU and CPN. These were qualitatively analyzed to identify trends across the past 20-years and along 5 pillars of the Care Continuum.

Results. Identification and qualitative analyses of documented deliverables reveal pillar-specific and time-dependent trends across 5-year periods. This trend analysis identified the core elements central to the set-up of a CPU and reveal an operational roadmap in the set-up of CPUs in resource-constrained settings.

Conclusions. Case study review and qualitative analyses identify core elements that comprise a roadmap for need based prioritization in the set-up of CPUs/CPNs towards a comprehensive care continuum for child maltreatment. The 20-year experience in a developing nation context validates the roadmap