Parents with disabilities, mandated reporting, and nursing: A scoping review

Background: Many nurses report feeling underprepared and insecure about the mandated reporting of concern for child maltreatment, which is further compounded by parental disability. Purpose: This scoping review examined the body of literature on nurse mandated reporting responsibility within the context of parental disability. Methods: A scoping review was conducted as informed by the Arksey and O'Malley Framework and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. Discussion: Initial database search identified 2,669 records, which then underwent title and abstract screening (n = 2458), assessment for full text review (n = 53), and full review (n = 28). Analysis of 106 quantitative and 22 qualitative variables revealed sparse evidence and guidance to help nurses navigate mandated reporting of child abuse in families with parental disability. Conclusion: Findings identified opportunities to inform research, policy, and practice to better meet the needs of nurse mandated reporters and families with parental disability.