Using computer technology to identify child physical abuse in emergency care.
Official title: Natural Language Screening to Improve Early Recognition of Child Physical Abuse in Emergency Care Settings
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11024212 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new computer program that helps doctors spot signs of child abuse, like bruises or fractures, in emergency rooms by looking at health records, so we can catch these issues earlier and keep kids safer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 17, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $658,625 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD116763-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11024212 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who present to emergency care settings with injuries that may raise concerns for physical abuse.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 11 years or those who do not present with injuries suggestive of physical abuse may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance the early detection of child physical abuse in emergency care settings through an automated screening program that utilizes natural language processing (NLP). By analyzing unstructured data from electronic health records, the program seeks to identify signs of abuse, such as bruises and fractures, that may have been overlooked by healthcare providers. The goal is to improve recognition rates and ultimately prevent further abuse and serious injuries in children. This innovative approach addresses the limitations of current screening methods that rely heavily on human vigilance and can be biased.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier identification and intervention for children experiencing physical abuse, potentially saving lives and reducing long-term harm.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using automated screening methods for various health conditions, indicating potential success for this novel approach in identifying child abuse.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lindberg, Daniel M — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Lindberg, Daniel M
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.