Related Experiment Videos
Elder Abuse Decision Support System: Field test outcomes, abuse measure validation, and lessons learned
Kendon J Conrad1,2, Madelyn Iris3, Pi-Ju Liu4
1a School of Public Health (Emeritus) , University of Illinois at Chicago , Chicago , Illinois , USA.
Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect
|April 5, 2017
Summary
The Elder Abuse Decision Support System improved elder mistreatment assessment and substantiation rates. This web-based tool showed high validity and clinical usefulness, demonstrating a successful proof of concept.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Social Work
- Public Health
Background:
- Elder mistreatment requires improved assessment and substantiation methods.
- Existing investigation procedures may lack standardization and efficiency.
- A web-based decision support system offers a potential solution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the Elder Abuse Decision Support System (EADSS).
- To compare EADSS with Illinois' standard investigation procedure for elder mistreatment.
- To assess the validity and acceptability of the EADSS measures.
Main Methods:
- A one-year pre/post field test involving six Illinois agencies.
- Comparative analysis of substantiation results between EADSS and standard procedures.
- Focus groups with adult protective service staff to assess acceptability.
- Statistical analyses (Cronbach's alpha, ROC curves) for measure validity.
Main Results:
- The EADSS demonstrated increased substantiation rates for elder abuse.
- Both EADSS and standard procedures had unique strengths and weaknesses in acceptability.
- Outcome measures of the EADSS exhibited high validity estimates.
- Focus groups provided valuable feedback for system improvement.
Conclusions:
- The Elder Abuse Decision Support System is a successful proof of concept.
- Data collected via EADSS is useful for both clinical practice and research.
- The system offers a promising approach to enhance elder mistreatment assessment and substantiation.