Strengthening the frontline response to elder abuse: qualitative insights from Australian paramedics

Navindhra Naidoo, Peter Feldman, Rachel Muoio, Simon Sawyer, Bianca Brijnath

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

In this research we identified the training needs of paramedics in Australia regarding elder abuse identification and response. Ten qualitative interviews with paramedics and paramedic educators from each state and territory were conducted between January and March 2024. Participants encountered elder abuse in their professional capacity, often manifesting as neglect although responses were variable, influenced by the jurisdiction, whether the paramedic had specialist training, how much “scene time” was permitted, workload pressures, and if there were clear protocols and guidelines from the ambulance service on how to respond to elder abuse. The existing training was perceived as “patchy” and ad hoc, but participants offered recommendations for training content and preferred training delivery method in detecting and responding to elder abuse. Given population aging and increased use of ambulance services by older people, paramedics have a crucial role to play in elder abuse early detection and referral. This research presents a critical first step in addressing this gap.

Original languageEnglish
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Applied Gerontology
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print (In Press) - 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s) 2024.

Keywords

  • ambulance
  • Australia
  • education
  • elder abuse
  • emergency
  • frontline
  • paramedic
  • qualitative
  • screening
  • training

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Strengthening the frontline response to elder abuse: qualitative insights from Australian paramedics'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this