Unexplained Fractures in Infants using X-rays (The U-FIX Study)

Background Around 1 in 14 children in the UK are physically abused during their lifetime (NSPCC, 2023).

In 2022, over 200,000 children were investigated because of safeguarding concerns, a 125% increase since 2010 (Bywaters & Skinner, 2022).

X-rays of the whole skeleton, known as a skeletal survey, is a mandatory study carried out by a radiographer when physical abuse is suspected in young (Previous literature reports negative secondary effects for staff and families in attendance. Radiographers suffered mental trauma and burnout (B. Smith et al., 2022) as a result of the injuries seen and pressurised work.

Families experienced PTSD, flashbacks, panic and anxiety from the test (Högberg et al., 2020).

At present, very little support exists for radiographers undertaking these tests, and families who attend with their child. Aims and objectives.

To understand the experiences and psychosocial needs of radiographers and families whose children have undergone radiological investigation for suspected physical abuse.

To understand the support currently in place for these populations To create a resource website for families attending radiological examinations for SPA. To create a peer support framework for radiographers undertaking radiological examinations for SPA in children. Method A qualitative approach using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).

Recruitment: Charities, snowballing recruitment, posters in clinical areas and professional radiographer societies. Sample size: 20 radiographers and 20 family members. Data collection: Semi structured 1:1 interview via Microsoft Teams/telephone/face to face. Translator services available. Analysis: Braun and Clarke's (2006) Thematic Analysis. 20% of data double coded by second researcher.

Codes reviewed with advisory group.

Outputs Using the findings from above and working collaboratively with professionals and families, the following resources will be created and hosted on the Society of Radiographers webpage, free to access. Family website. Families can access detailed information about the x-rays and scans.

The website will include, animations, videos, and easy to read information, in multiple languages, in one easily accessible place. Families to be signposted by healthcare professionals. For those without internet access, this can be shown on a hospital tablet/pc/phone before their x-ray appointment.

Radiographer Peer Support Framework. Written guidance on how to set up and provide peer support in x-ray departments across the UK. Timeline for delivery The project will take three years to complete.

Anticipated impact and dissemination Through this study, support resources will be created, embedding family and staff voices in the design of the service to better serve their needs.

Both resources will provide benefits including potential reduced referrals for psychological support, enhanced child abuse pathways, and improved relationships between service users and healthcare staff.

The findings from this study will be disseminated through a variety of different mediums, including conference presentations and posters, journal articles, charity blog posts and a Great Ormond Street Dissemination Event created in collaboration with families.