[Knowledge and implementation of institutional safeguarding measures in German hospitals as part of medical child protection].

Background: Recent studies show the high prevalence of child maltreatment in Germany and that assaults by hospital staff also pose a problem. Since 2020, the Joint Federal Committee has been calling for institutional safeguarding measures (ISM) to protect and support those affected in hospitals. The aim of this study is to analyze the level of knowledge and action competencies regarding child maltreatment among hospital staff and the extent to which ISM are implemented in hospitals.