Barriers in detecting elder abuse among emergency medical technicians

Abstract

Background: Elder abuse and neglect are highly under-reported in the United States. This may be partially attributed to low incidence of reporting among emergency medical technicians' (EMTs), despite state-mandated reporting of suspected elder abuse. Innovative solutions are needed to address under-reporting. The objective was to describe EMTs' experience detecting and reporting elder abuse. Methods: Qualitative data were collected from 11 EMTs and 12 Adult Protective Services (APS) caseworkers that participated in one of five semi-structured focus groups. Focus group data were iteratively coded by two coders.Results: Findings suggest a number of barriers prevent EMTs from reporting elder abuse to APS. Participants suggested that limited training on elder abuse detection or reporting has been provided to them. EMTs suggested that training, creation of an automated reporting system or brief screening tool could be used to enhance EMT's ability to detect and communicate suspected cases of elder abuse to APS.

Emergency Medical Services Perspectives on Identifying and Reporting Victims of Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Self-Neglect

“…Many other states have these laws, which may impact EMS provider practice. However, similar themes were uncovered in a recent study in the state of Texas, 43 which has mandatory reporting. Although the focus of that study was somewhat different, concentrating on the interaction of emergency personnel with APS, comparable issues were raised.…”

“…Although the focus of that study was somewhat different, concentrating on the interaction of emergency personnel with APS, comparable issues were raised. 43 These included very low reporting rates by EMS and barriers to reporting including limited training and time limitations. 43 Other research has also suggested that mandatory reporting laws do not affect health care provider reporting of elder mistreatment.…”

“…43 These included very low reporting rates by EMS and barriers to reporting including limited training and time limitations. 43 Other research has also suggested that mandatory reporting laws do not affect health care provider reporting of elder mistreatment. 44 Another limitation of our study is that participation was voluntary, and there is, therefore, the potential for selection bias, with participant views differing significantly from those of non-participants.…”

Abuso de Idosos e o Papel dos Profissionais de Saúde

“…28 Os técnicos de emergência pré-hospitalar, em específico, sentem que têm a responsabilidade de denunciar situações suspeitas de abuso e sentem-se culpados se não o fizerem. 35 Além das restrições de tempo a que estão sujeitos, a falta de protocolos e os problemas de comunicação aquando da tentativa de denúncia são fatores que favorecem a falta de denúncia. 35 É uma grande responsabilidade moral, considerando que se poderá destruir a vida de alguém com base apenas na intuição.…”

“…A determinação da prevalência atual do abuso de idosos tem-se revelado uma tarefa complexa, designadamente em virtude das variadas metodologias utilizadas 4,6,9,24 e das diferentes populações estudadas. 9,35 Esta dificuldade encontra-se espelhada, por exemplo, numa revisão sistemática efe-revisões tuada em 2015 por Dong, que referia taxas de prevalência variando de 2,2 a 61,1%. 25 Diversos estudos indiciam tratar-se, efetivamente, de um problema comum.…”