Safeguarding
NAI
Non-accidental injury. If an injury doesn't fit the story, or the child's stage of development, think NAI and tell someone.
- Babies who aren't yet mobile rarely bruise by accident (0 to 1.3%). NICE says bruising in a child who isn't independently mobile should raise suspicion.
- Once major trauma is ruled out, rib fractures had the highest probability of abuse of any fracture type studied (71%). No single injury proves abuse on its own.
- Worried? Tell your supervising doctor or the named safeguarding lead, and write down exactly what you saw and heard. You don't need proof, and it isn't your job to investigate.
Source: NICE CG89 · RCPCH bruising review · Kemp et al, BMJ 2008
Everything on this page is for learning, not medical advice. Each fact links to where it came from, so you can read further.
