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 detectio

SUBMITTER: Reingle Gonzalez JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5010700 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature