Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing (ND)

First Advisor

Dr. Lindsay Kemp

Abstract

Child maltreatment remains a significant public health concern associated with serious physical, emotional, psychological, and developmental consequences. Healthcare professionals are often in a unique position to identify signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect; however, many report limited education and lack confidence regarding recognition and mandated reporting responsibilities. Educational interventions may help address these knowledge and confidence gaps. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention designed to improve healthcare professionals' knowledge, confidence, and preparedness related to the identification and reporting of child maltreatment. A pre-survey/post-survey design was utilized to assess participant knowledge and confidence before and after completion of an electronic educational module. Participants included healthcare professionals from a variety of clinical settings who provide care to pediatric patients. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with IBM SPSS Statistics Version 30. A total of 103 participants completed the pre-survey, and 33 participants completed the post-survey. Statistically significant improvements were observed in participants' knowledge of indicators associated with sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, emotional abuse, and mandated reporting requirements. Participants also demonstrated significant increases in confidence identifying signs of child maltreatment and preparedness to fulfill mandated reporting responsibilities following completion of the educational intervention. Overall, findings indicated meaningful improvements in healthcare professionals' knowledge, confidence, and preparedness related to child maltreatment recognition and reporting. This project supports the use of targeted educational interventions to improve healthcare professionals' ability to identify and respond to suspected child maltreatment. Continued implementation of evidence-based child maltreatment education may strengthen clinical practice, support mandated reporting responsibilities, and contribute to earlier intervention and improved outcomes for vulnerable children and families. Keywords: child maltreatment, child abuse, mandated reporting, healthcare professionals,

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