The use and impact of repeated questions in diagnostic child abuse assessment interviews.

There is limited research regarding the use of repeated questions and the subsequent response from children in real-world forensic contexts. We analysed 71 transcripts of diagnostic assessments in which 3- to 6-year-olds were assessed for suspected abuse experiences. On average, 6% of interviewer questions were repeated, and 47% of the repeated questions were abuse-related.

Defensive practice in mental health.

Aim: This study aimed to assess the extent of defensive clinical practice by psychiatrists and psychiatric nurses in a New Zealand Mental Health Service.

Method: An anonymous questionnaire survey, addressing perceptions of a variety of defensive practices, was sent to all psychiatrists and psychiatric nurses working in acute clinical settings in the publically funded mental health service in Dunedin, New Zealand.

Results: Defensive practice is perceived as widespread in psychiatric settings.