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

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Social Work
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Elder mistreatment is a prevalent issue with severe health implications.
• Emergency departments (EDs) present a critical setting for identifying elder mistreatment.
• Social workers in EDs often lack specialized training for elder mistreatment assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a validated assessment tool for social workers in the ED setting.
• To enhance social workers' confidence and competence in detecting elder mistreatment.
• To standardize the process of elder mistreatment assessment in emergency departments.

Main Methods:

• A modified Delphi technique was employed with a national panel of experts.
• The development involved a multiphase approach to ensure comprehensive coverage.
• The resulting tool, ED-EMATS, includes an initial and a comprehensive assessment component.

Main Results:

• The Emergency Department Elder Mistreatment Assessment Tool for Social Workers (ED-EMATS) was created.
• The tool comprises an initial 11-item assessment and a comprehensive 17-item assessment.
• This is the first elder abuse assessment tool specifically designed for social workers in the ED.

Conclusions:

• The ED-EMATS is expected to bolster the confidence of ED social workers.
• Implementation of the ED-EMATS can lead to more consistent elder mistreatment assessments.
• The tool aims to improve the detection and management of elder mistreatment in emergency settings.