Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
9068999 Nursing Outlook 2005 7 Pages PDF
Abstract
Elder mistreatment (EM) is a growing and hidden problem. Nurses have a responsibility to identify potential and actual EM victims. The purpose of this article is to describe the roles of nurses on interprofessional elder mistreatment teams. Current nursing roles in the recognition and management of EM include assessment and screening, mandatory reporting, direct care, and complaint investigation. While the efforts of individual nurses in the detection and management of cases is important, EM is a complex problem that is best approached through interprofessional collaboration. In the greater Seattle area, such collaboration is accomplished through membership on the King County Elder Abuse Project teams. Nurses give expert opinion, educate team members, and provide case consultation. University faculty experience on the teams inspired the start of a Master's pathway in Forensic Nursing, focused nursing research, and increased public policy activity and community service. Nurses on interprofessional teams gain networking opportunities as well as experience with the system that is in place to protect and serve vulnerable adults.
Related Topics
Health Sciences Nursing and Health Professions Nursing
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