Older Adult Abuse Policy
Summary
I was granted the opportunity to implement the Best Practice Guideline (BPG) Preventing Abuse and Neglect of Older Adults the Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS). BCHS is an organization comprised of The Brantford General Hospital (large community hospital) and the Willet Urgent Care centre. Prior to the completion of this fellowship, there was no policy in place to aid staff in managing patients who may be victims of older adult abuse. My fellowship has enabled healthcare professionals within our organization to develop clear plans of care when abuse is expressed or suspected, report abuse according to legislation, and to provide internal and external resources as appropriate. Further, I was able to create an online module for staff to complete as a part of their annual required learnings. A webpage on BCHS’ public site was also developed to ensure that the information could be easily updated and is easily accessible for members of our community.
The overall goal was to use the BPG to aid in the development of a policy and education dissemination plan within the BCHS. Throughout this experience I have learned or expanded upon several skills such as: literature appraisal and review, community/ context needs assessment, policy and adult education plan development.
This fellowship project was drastically different from anything I have completed in my professional or academic career. I believe that this experience awarded me the opportunity to grow, although the learning curve was steep. Throughout this project I have learned the prevalence, impact and clinical signs of abuse of an older adult, the detailed process of policy development (and how to not make it read like a scholarly paper!), how to effectively engage with internal and external stakeholders and, how to become receptive to critical feedback. One of the most difficult tasks was being flexible in adapting my learning plan as my fellowship progressed. Some of the objectives were modified as some stakeholders deemed other options more suitable to meet the requirements of our organization and patient population. As such, the learning plan was an open and working document throughout this process.
More than anything, I have learned that being able to rely on your colleagues for guidance and support is critical. To my mentorship team and the many (!!) others that assisted me on this journey, thank you, you make me proud to work within an organization that aims to empower people and lift them up.
Outcomes
Going forward, staff within the BCHS will use this policy to guide their work when a situation of expressed or suspected older adult abuse arises. This policy supports staff, but ultimately will provide the greatest benefit to those most vulnerable within our community. In 2018, Brantford Victim Services (a department of the Brant Police Service) had reported 19 cases of abuse of an older adult. With the education modules, frontline staff will have a clear understanding of the prevalence of abuse of older adults within our community, the ability to recognize signs and symptoms of potential abuse and the plethora of resources that exist within the city of Brantford and Brant County. The BCHS has made a declaration that the healthcare professionals within our organization shall have the knowledge, skill and judgment to recognize the signs/ symptoms of elder abuse and/or recognize the risk factors that make one vulnerable to abuse. The recognition of risk factors for elder abuse and elder abuse allegations will lead to appropriate responses to maintain dignity, independence and personal safety.
I am so incredibly proud to work within the BCHS. This fellowship allowed many people to provide thoughtful mentorship, feedback and evaluation. I received an overwhelming amount of support from my colleagues and was mentored in a way that met my learning needs. The development of this policy, its implementation, and the accompanying learning modules provide clear and concise direction for this complex patient care issue. Frontline staff, mentorship team members and others felt inclined to provide assistance with the project as it will greatly benefit those most vulnerable that seek care within our organization and within our community.
Overall experience
This fellowship provided many experiences that I am thankful for. I believe that having the opportunity to complete this fellowship not only enhanced my skills for frontline care, but allowed the exploration of the role of a Clinical Nurse Educator. Although, I am completing a master’s degree, I had not fully understood the depth and complexity of the role. I am thankful to my mentors, Sarah and Janet, and many others for creating a safe space for the exploration of ideas, the ability to make mistakes, and continued support to reach my objectives.
Further, I have had the opportunity to engage with many internal and external stakeholders. Through these engagements, I have increased my knowledge about the roles and scope of other professions, community groups and our organization’s strategic priorities. I extend my endless gratitude to all those who helped with this project, including those who had to endure the reading of many, many, many drafts of this policy.
I believe that I have expanded my knowledge and skills of abuse of older adults, and of policy and adult education development. However, I still have much to learn and must continue to pursue further education, mentoring and clinical experiences in order to provide the best possible care.
I would like to thank the RNAO for this opportunity to grow and I hope that many others can be given the same experience. Finally, I would like to thank my family for their endless patience and love!
