Clinical recognition of elder maltreatment and intention to report among primary care doctors
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2020
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the primary care doctors' ability to recognize elder maltreatment and their intentions to report on such conditions. About 358 primary care doctors participated in this study. Outcomes were assessed using a validated five context-relevant clinical vignettes. Primary care doctor's recognition of sexual abuse was highest (91.0%); while the lowest (70.2%) in case signifying physical abuse. Despite being able to ascertain elder maltreatment, the intention to report the event is generally low even for cases exemplifying physical abuse, emotional abuse and neglect. However, intentions to report cases of sexual and financial abuse are 86.9% and 73.5% respectively. Findings highlighted the uncertainties of primary care doctors in distinguishing the clinical findings of non-accidental injuries and injuries due to acts of maltreatment. This provides support for educational intervention and guidelines or policies to improve the knowledge and skills of primary care doctors to intervene in elder maltreatment.
Keywords
Primary care doctor, Elder maltreatment, Recognition, Reporting, Vignette
Divisions
primarycare,Socialprevent
Funders
Negeri Sembilan State Health Department,Ministeriet Sundhed Forebyggelse,Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia
Publication Title
Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect
Volume
32
Issue
1
Publisher
Haworth Press
Publisher Location
2-4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND