Health care professionals' perspectives on barriers to elder abuse detection and reporting in primary care settings

J Elder Abuse Negl. 2012;24(1):17-36. doi: 10.1080/08946566.2011.608044.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore health care professionals' perspectives on elder abuse to achieve a better understanding of the problems of reporting and to generate ideas for improving the detection and reporting process. Through a mailed survey, nurses, physicians, and social workers were invited to participate in an interview. Nine nurses, 8 physicians, and 6 social workers were interviewed, and thematic analysis was used to identify the following core themes: preconceptions, assessment, interpretation, systems, and knowledge and education. Participants suggested a reorganization of the external reporting system. More frequent and pragmatic education is necessary to strengthen practical knowledge about elder abuse.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Elder Abuse / diagnosis*
  • Elder Abuse / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Health Care Surveys
  • Health Personnel*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mandatory Reporting
  • Primary Health Care*