Author: Nial Mullen / Editor: Nicola McDonald / Reviewer: Muhammad Waseem, Peter Lynas, Rafeeq Ahmed Sulaiman / Codes: / Published: 26/04/2021 / Reviewed: 26/12/2025
Fabricated or induced illness (FII) is a form of child abuse. It is associated with significant morbidity (physical and psychological) and mortality. Recognition of FII is frequently difficult and subsequent management is complex.
After completing this session you will be able to:
- State the key features of FII
- Describe the potential harm caused by FII
- Recognise possible presenting features of FII
- Plan the initial management of potential FII in the emergency department (ED)
References
- Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH). Child protection service delivery standards. RCPCH, 2020.
- Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH). Perplexing Presentations (PP)/Fabricated or Induced Illness (FII) in children guidance. RCPCH, 2021.
- Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH). Perplexing Presentations (PP)/Fabricated or Induced Illness (FII) in Children Guidance. RCPCH, 2021.
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- Yates G, Bass C. The perpetrators of medical child abuse (Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy) – A systematic review of 796 cases. Child Abuse Negl. 2017 Oct;72:45-53.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Urinary tract infection in under 16s: diagnosis and management. [NG224] NICE, 2022.
