Elder abuse is a significant global public health issue. One sixth elder person experienced abuse in the community, only 1 in 14 cases was reported to proper authorities which indicated that elder abuse issue was under recognized. Health care professionals (HCPs) who provide direct health care service to elderly play a crucial role in this context. The purpose of this review is to describe the responses of HCPs towards elder abuse. Arksey and O’Malley framework was adopted. Articles related to health care professional’s responses on elder abused between 2010 and 2024 were identified through electronic databases (PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, APA PsycINFO and ScienceDirect). Articles were identified based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Duplicated, irrelevant articles were removed and then sorted into subcategories for review. 13 articles were selected.Findings revealed the experiences of HCPs such as nurses, physicians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, orthoptists from various countries. Barriers encountered by HCPs in elder abuse such as self-awareness, knowledge, organization policy were evaluated. Their perception and attitudes towards elder abuse were studied. Eventually, theme of positive responses that benefit for elder abuse, negative responses that impede the elder abused situation were included in study. The findings provide greater understanding on the ways in addressing elder abuse from health care professionals’ perspectives. Sufficient knowledge promotes awareness of HCPs on elder abuse issue and enhance their understanding to early identify elder abuse cases. Institutes should employ strategies to facilitate the reporting system by removing the barriers at individual and organizational levels.

Authors:
Elaine Chow, Tung Wah College, Hong Kong
Wong Lok Yan, Tung Wah College, Hong Kong
Him Yi Wong, Tung Wah College, Hong Kong
Wai Kwan Ip, Tung Wah College, Hong Kong

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Elaine Chow is currently the Assistant Professor at the School of Nursing at Tung Wah College. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and a Master of Nursing from The University of Hong Kong, and received her Doctorate Degree in Nursing from The University of Hong Kong in 2016. She is an experienced Registered Nurse and has rich teaching experience in nursing education in Hong Kong. She started her career as a Registered Nurse in a public hospital with substantial professional experience in orthopaedic and renal nursing. Her research interests include women’s health and domestic violence and family health.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Tuesday Schedule

Bookmark