5.1. Implications for Nursing Practice. PHNs are generally
aware that identification of and intervention in child maltreatment
are an important part of their job (see also [25]).
However, the lack of effort in creating common guidelines
and practices and ensuring the functionality of multiprofessional
collaboration were weaknesses in practical work and
actions [19]. This is a question of work organization and
management and also of focusing on activities that are really
helpful and effective for children and families. PHNs are in a
position to take a leadership role in the prevention of child
maltreatment as well as addressing the system barriers such
as knowledge exchange challenges or coordination within
multiprofessional activities. This will lead to supporting
families before risks of maltreatment are realized into actual
maltreatment in families. Solving or treating child maltreatment
cases is the responsibility of many administratively
separate units: child health centers, hospitals, at day care,
and in child protection. The managers of these units should
ensure that collaboration, in both prevention and treatment
levels, can work across administrative boundaries.This kind
of development can be done globally, based on international
research evidence and on the service system of children and
families in each country.