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

TitleDeveloping the Emergency Department Elder Mistreatment Assessment Tool for Social Workers Using a Modified Delphi Technique.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2020
AuthorsElman A, Rosselli S, Burnes D, Clark S, Stern ME, LoFaso VM, Mulcare MR, Breckman R, Rosen T
JournalHealth Soc Work
Volume45
Issue2
Pagination110-121
Date Published2020 May 27
ISSN1545-6854
KeywordsAged, Delphi Technique, Elder Abuse, Emergency Service, Hospital, Female, Humans, Male, Mass Screening, Social Workers, Surveys and Questionnaires
Abstract

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.

DOI10.1093/hsw/hlz040
Alternate JournalHealth Soc Work
PubMed ID31984415
Grant ListK76 AG054866 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States

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