Nursing home leaders' perception of factors influencing the reporting of elder abuse and neglect: a qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 655-671
Author(s):  
Janne Myhre ◽  
Wenche Karin Malmedal ◽  
Susan Saga ◽  
Joan Ostaszkiewicz ◽  
Sigrid Nakrem
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Home ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Elder Abuse ◽  
Comparative Method ◽  
Adverse Event Reporting System ◽  
Adverse Event Reporting ◽  
Structural Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Elder Abuse And Neglect ◽  
Abuse And Neglect

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore the factors that influence the reporting of adverse events related to elder abuse and neglect in nursing homes from nursing home leaders' perspectives. Good leadership requires in-depth knowledge of the care and service provided and the ability to identify and address problems that can arise in clinical practice.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative explorative design with data triangulation was used. The sample consisted of 43 participants from two levels of nursing home leadership, representing six municipalities and 21 nursing homes in Norway. Focus group interviews were undertaken with 28 ward leaders and individual interviews with 15 nursing home directors. The constant comparative method was used for the analyses.FindingsBoth ward leaders and nursing home directors described formal and informal ways of obtaining information related to elder abuse and neglect. There were differences between their perceptions of the feasibility of obtaining formal reports about abuse in the nursing home. Three main categories of influencing factors emerged: (1) organisation structural factors, (2) cultural factors and (3) abuse severity factors. A main finding is that in its present form, the Norwegian adverse event reporting system is not designed to detect abuse and neglect.Originality/valueThis paper provides an in-depth understanding of patient safety and factors related to reporting elder abuse in nursing homes in Norway.

Elder abuse and neglect in nursing homes as a reciprocal process: the view from the perspective of care workers

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Paula Gil ◽  
Manuel Luis Capelas
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Working Conditions ◽  
Elder Abuse ◽  
Content Type ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Elder Abuse And Neglect ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Abuse And Neglect ◽  
Reciprocal Process

Purpose Reciprocal abuse inside care practices remain under-studied due to their invisibility and further research is required. The purpose of this paper is to explore different levels of conflicts inside organisations. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on a self-administered questionnaire filled out by care workers (n = 150), in 16 Portuguese care homes. Findings Results indicated that, overall, 54.7% of care workers had observed abuse, in their daily practice, in the preceding 12 months: 48.7% psychological; 36.0% neglectful care practices; 14.0% physical and 3.3% financial abuse. The figures decreased significantly as regards abuse committed themselves, with 16.7% of those admitting to having committed at least one of these behaviours. The highest figures were also recorded for psychological abuse (13.3%) and neglect (6.7%). However, there is a statistically significant relationship between abuse committed by care workers and abuse committed by residents. Overall, 52.0% of care workers reported having been the target of at least one such behaviour by residents. Research limitations/implications This paper has its limitations as the sample consisted of only 16 nursing homes (12 not-for-profit and 4 for-profit nursing homes). The fact that only 4 of the 16 LTC homes were for-profit is a potential limitation both in general and in particular because research has shown that lower quality of care and elder abuse and neglect are more common in for-profit nursing homes at least in Portugal. The results were also based on self-reported measures. Practical implications A reactive behaviour, the risk of retaliation, after a complaint, the difficulty in dealing with dementia and the residents' aggressive behaviour, an absence of a training and support policy in an environment where difficult working conditions prevail, are factors enhancing a reciprocal process of abuse. The analysis followed by a discussion of potential implications to prevent institutional elder abuse and neglect, based on communication and social recognition, including better working conditions and training, and a cooperative work environment. Social implications Conflict is much more than reducing an interpersonal relationship problem between residents and staff (care workers, professional staff, managers) and extending to the whole organisation. Therefore, there are still uncertainties on how organisations, staff and residents interact between themselves, and affect care practises. Originality/value Reciprocal abuse in nursing homes is an important area of research and this paper enabled a discussion of potential implications concerning the quality of care, which required the identification of levels of conflict, in an organisational system, including interactions, the context where care is provided, difficult working conditions, lack of training and levels of support. All these factors are important when considering elder abuse and neglect and this calls for special attention by policymakers and researchers.

Elder abuse in Ghana – a qualitative exploratory study

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 299-313
Author(s):  
Wenche Malmedal ◽  
Christiana Anyan
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Elder Abuse ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Institutional Characteristics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Elder Abuse And Neglect ◽  
Abuse And Neglect

Purpose The aim of this study was to explore how Ghanaian staff in nursing homes and hospitals perceive abuse and neglect of older adults as well as to explore the nature and scope of abuse and neglect of older adults as it exists in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach This exploratory study used a qualitative research methodology that sets out to explore staff’s perception of elder abuse in nursing homes and hospitals in Ghana. Five nursing assistants and two caregivers were interviewed in two nursing homes and four nurses were interviewed in one hospital. A semi-structured interview guide was used for data collection. Findings The findings showed that elder abuse occurs in both hospitals and nursing homes, which might be attributed to different personal, situational and institutional characteristics as well as cultural and traditional value systems. Various factors at the level of interpersonal relationships contributed to elder abuse. Situational characteristics such as aggressive exchanges between residents and health workers and institutional characteristics such as limited facilities and resources to care for residents are all factors that were implicated in elder abuse. Finally, culture and traditional views, beliefs system and socioeconomic factors seem to be implicated in elder abuse and neglect. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that explores elder abuse and neglect in Ghanaian nursing homes and hospitals.

The dark side of Norwegian nursing homes: factors influencing inadequate care

2014 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 133-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenche Malmedal ◽  
Randi Hammervold ◽  
Britt-Inger Saveman
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Home ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Nursing Home Care ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Dark Side ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Care Giving ◽  
Abuse And Neglect ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Inadequate Care

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate factors that influence the probability that staff will commit acts of inadequate care, abuse, and neglect. Design/methodology/approach – A cross-sectional survey study was carried out in one county in the middle of Norway (Sør-Trøndelag). Random sampling, stratified by size of nursing homes, and location (rural or urban areas), was used to select a variety of nursing homes from a total population of 55 nursing homes. All staff working in 16 nursing homes working were asked to participate in the study. A response rate of 79 per cent was achieved (n=616). Findings – Findings reveal that location and size of the nursing home, age of the staff, education level, job satisfaction, resident aggression, and conflicts between residents and staff predict inadequate care, abuse, and neglect. The most consistent findings are that resident aggression increases the risk for all three types of inadequate care, and that conflicts predict different types of inadequate care depending on whether the conflicts are related to direct care-giving activities or not. Practical implications – Nursing home care is an important part of care for the elderly, and should be characterized by good-quality services. The relation between inadequate care and resident aggression, conflicts, and other factors shown in this study points to the relevance of further improvements in nursing home practices to minimize the occurrence of episodes of inadequate care, abuse, and neglect. Originality/value – This study investigated the relationships between 11 specific factors and different types of inadequate care in a nursing home context.

scholarly journals Nursing home quality of life in the Lebanon

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 145-156
Author(s):  
Marina Gharibian Adra ◽  
John Hopton ◽  
John Keady
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Nursing Home ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Comparative Method ◽  
Nursing Home Residents ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Care Practice ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore perceptions, perspectives and meaning of quality of life for a sample of older residents, care staff and family caregivers in two nursing homes in Lebanon. Design/methodology/approach A classic grounded theory study was conducted between 2010 and 2011 in two nursing homes in Beirut. The semi-structured interviews were undertaken with a theoretical sample of 20 residents, 8 family caregivers and 11 staff. The constant comparative method was used to analyze the data. Findings Three distinct but interrelated properties of quality of life emerged from this process: “maintaining self,” “maintaining identity” and “maintaining continuity”. The dynamics that exist within and between each of these properties provide an indicator about shared and distinct meanings and the implications for care practice. Research limitations/implications The study was conducted in one city in Lebanon; accordingly, the transferability of findings may be challenging. Practical implications Implications for nursing and nursing policy – improving Lebanese national standards and regulations applicable to nursing home residents may help to enhance residents’ care needs and quality of life. Social implications There was limited guidance aimed at helping older residents to voice and increase their choice and control. Originality/value This paper provides new insights into the process of outlining the properties attached to the phenomenon of quality of life in nursing homes in Lebanon. It will be of interest to those in nursing home care as well as to policy makers.

Understanding elder abuse and neglect in aging Chinese immigrants in Canada

2014 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 322-334 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel W.L. Lai ◽  
Gabrielle D. Daoust ◽  
Lun Li
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Context ◽  
Culturally Diverse ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Elder Abuse ◽  
Chinese Immigrants ◽  
Prevention And Intervention ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Elder Abuse And Neglect ◽  
Cultural Minority ◽  
Abuse And Neglect

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review and discuss existing literature and available research findings related to understanding elder abuse and neglect in culturally diverse communities, particularly the Chinese immigrant community in Canada. The conceptual understandings of elder abuse are examined, based upon the socio-cultural context and challenges faced by aging Chinese immigrants. Design/methodology/approach – Previous literature and research publications related to elder abuse and neglect related to Chinese in Canada were reviewed and synthesized. Statistical information and research findings were summarized to illustrate the socio-cultural context that defines elder abuse and neglect experienced by aging Chinese immigrants in Canada. Findings – From a culturally diverse perspective, influence of race, ethnicity, immigrant status, and cultural norms on the recognition, identification, prevention and intervention of elder abuse and neglect are important to consider. A key message for professionals working with the aging population, particularly older immigrants from ethno-cultural minority background, is that understanding the social cultural context in which elder abuse or neglect emerges is critical. For many of the aging Chinese immigrants in Canada, the socio-cultural circumstances that they have experienced, their social environment, and various barriers and challenges further prevent them from being aware of this emerging concern. Cultural norms and practices have played a critical role in their access to preventive and intervention services. Research limitations/implications – Although this paper is not based upon a particularly empirical research study, the research and literature synthesized are both empirically and conceptually based. As indicated in the review of previous research publications on the subjective matter of elder abuse and neglect in aging Chinese immigrants in Canada is limited. Research on various issues related to elder abuse and neglect in ethno-cultural minority communities is also relatively scant. Evaluation research on prevention and intervention programs is desperately needed so as to facilitate the further establishment of best practice prevention and intervention models that are culturally appropriate and effective. While research engagement with minority groups such as the aging Chinese immigrants who do not speak English or are not familiar with the research culture in the western civilization could be challenging, academic researchers and service providers in both the mainstream and ethno-cultural minority communities should further align themselves in practice-research partnership endeavors to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the aging vulnerable individuals could be better maintained. Practical implications – In order to provide culturally competent services, service providers should be aware of cultural differences in attitudes towards elder mistreatment, including the ways in which specific types of abuse (e.g. financial abuse) are defined within ethno-cultural communities, and the cultural values and experiences that shape these understandings and determine attitudes or barriers towards reporting, intervention, and service use. Originality/value – This paper is a first attempt in the research community to synthesize a few critical issues related to elder abuse and neglect in the aging Chinese immigrant community in Canada. The paper has connected previous empirical findings related to Chinese older adults as well as other culturally diverse aging populations to the conceptualization of elder abuse and neglect by considering the unique socio-cultural context faced by the ethnocultural older adults.

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