Assessing the Level of Elder Abuse Knowledge Preprofessionals Possess: Implications for the Further Development of University Curriculum

Exploring undergraduate elder abuse education in nursing: a scoping review

One in six adults aged 60 and older experiences abuse annually, revealing a prevalence rate of 15.7%. However, knowledge gaps persist regarding the integration of elder abuse education into nursing curricula. The purpose of this scoping review is to fill the gap in understanding how elder abuse is currently taught to undergraduate nursing students, what methods are employed, and what impact these methods have on students' preparedness. A search across CINAHL, Google Scholar, Medline, and PubMed identified 10 relevant studies (2013-present) in English. These studies, encompassing 3,207 undergraduate nursing students, utilized diverse methodologies, focusing on undergraduate nursing education and elder abuse. Limited understanding of elder abuse among undergraduate nursing students is evident, primarily due to inadequate curriculum integration. Various teaching methods, including simulations and participative approaches, show promise in addressing this gap. This scoping review emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced elder abuse education in undergraduate nursing programs. The identified knowledge gap underscores the importance of active teaching methods, especially through simulation integration. Further research is essential to establish a robust evidence base in this critical area.

The critical role of the specialized social worker as part of ED/hospital-based elder mistreatment response teams

The emergency department and hospital provide a unique and important opportunity to identify elder mistreatment and offer intervention. To help manage these complex cases, multi-disciplinary response teams have been launched. In developing these teams, it quickly became clear that social workers play a critical role in responding to elder mistreatment. Their unique skillset allows them to establish close connections with community resources, collaborate with various hospital stakeholders, support patients/families/caregivers through challenging situations, navigate the legal and protective systems, and balance patient safety and quality of life in disposition decision-making. The role of the social worker on these multi-faceted teams includes conducting a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment, helping to develop a safe discharge plan, and making appropriate referrals, among other responsibilities. Any institution considering developing a multi-disciplinary program should recognize the critical importance of social work.

Substance Use Disorder and Correctional Health: Social Justice Course Development

The purpose of this study was to evaluate how well a Faculty First-Year Seminar incorporated criminal justice health (CJH) and substance use disorder (SUD) content. Students completed a survey during the first and last classes of the semester, evaluating their level of knowledge, skills, and attitudes regarding SUD in criminal justice (CJ) involved persons. Answers to both open-ended and close-ended questions were evaluated. Students reported significantly higher confidence in course content after the semester compared with baseline. Findings indicated students' increased confidence in knowledge of CJH in individuals with SUD, and of CJ policy and advocacy. Social justice course content can be successfully developed and evaluated for nursing curricula.

Práticas profissionais em situações de violência na atenção domiciliar: revisão integrativa

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é descrever as práticas de profissionais de saúde em situações de violência nos cuidados da Atenção domiciliar. Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura realizada entre dezembro de 2016 e dezembro de 2017 nas bases de dados LILACS, BDENF e MEDLINE. A amostra foi composta por 15 artigos, organizados e caracterizados de acordo com autor, periódico de publicação, país, ano, título, método, ideia central, categoria e nível de evidência. As situações de violência mais encontradas foram abuso em idosos e crianças e violência doméstica em mulheres e crianças. Práticas distintas foram adotadas nas situações de violência contra os pacientes, como intervenções, notificações, orientação, e capacitação profissional. As práticas dos profissionais na atenção domiciliar focalizam ações de cuidado dos pacientes, buscando minimizar os efeitos da violência.

Developing the Emergency Department Elder Mistreatment Assessment Tool for Social Workers Using a Modified Delphi Technique

Elder mistreatment is common and has serious consequences. The emergency department (ED) may provide a unique opportunity to detect this mistreatment, with social workers often asked to take the lead in assessment and intervention. Despite this, social workers may feel ill-equipped to conduct assessments for potential mistreatment, due in part to a lack of education and training. As a result, the authors created the Emergency Department Elder Mistreatment Assessment Tool for Social Workers (ED-EMATS) using a multiphase, modified Delphi technique with a national group of experts. This tool consists of both an initial and comprehensive component, with 11 and 17 items, respectively. To our knowledge, this represents the first elder abuse assessment tool for social workers designed specifically for use in the ED. The hope is that the ED-EMATS will increase the confidence of ED social workers in assessing for elder mistreatment and help ensure standardization between professionals.

Care of the victim

The number of elder abuse cases is expected to rise as the number of persons older than age 65 doubles over the next 20 years. Patients affected by elder abuse present in all care settings, including inpatient and outpatient clinical care, emergency rooms, long-term care facilities, and home care. Victims have significant medical consequences, physical and psychological, and often need additional resources, including legal guidance. Health care professionals need additional training to be effective advocates for survivors of elder abuse. Care of the victim must also be recognized as an equally important topic for research and education.