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Reading between the lines. Older people’s maltreatment: from detection to reporting in primary healthcare
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Orientador(es)
Resumo(s)
The issue of older people’s maltreatment (OPM) is gaining increased attention worldwide because of its significant
short and long-term severe consequences. Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in detecting, reporting, and
managing these cases, but many difficulties in these procedures exist, and underreporting is very frequent. Thus,
the aim of this study was to identify the extent of and difficulties in detecting and reporting suspected OPM cases
by general practitioner physicians in Portugal. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among general practice
physicians (GPPs) to assess their perceptions, experiences, and challenges in detecting and reporting older people
maltreatment (OPM). The 13-item questionnaire explored sociodemographic factors, responsibility, confidence,
reporting practices, and training needs, providing an updated insight into OPM management in primary healthcare.
It was anonymous and conducted through a self-report questionnaire distributed in paper format to GPPs working
in the National Health Service in the Northern of Portugal. We received 356 completed questionnaires for further
analysis. The findings indicate that, on average, physicians suspect fewer than one OPM case per year; only 32%
suspected at least one case in the previous year, although 55.3% and 54.5% of the physician’s revealed confidence
in identifying signs of physical abuse and neglect, respectively. The ambiguity of the psychological symptoms
was identified as a great challenge in detection (50.3%). Only 36.5% of the physicians were acquainted with the
procedures for reporting suspected cases; however, of the 32% who suspected at least of one case in the previous
year, only 39.5% reported all or at least some suspected cases; 16.9% chose not to report the case when requested
by the victim or his/her caregivers. Most (91.6%) expressed a willingness to adopt protocols to assist them in
managing such cases. A correlation was found between physicians’ satisfaction with OPM reporting training during
undergraduate and postgraduate education and their ability to report (p=0.024), as well as with the number of
reported cases (p=0.003). Thus, the detection and reporting of OPM by physicians remain major challenges that
need to be overcome. Further research and greater awareness of the importance of these procedures are essential
to ensure victims’ protection, safety, and health.
Descrição
Palavras-chave
Older People Maltreatment Abuse Neglect Physician Primary Care
Contexto Educativo
Citação
Frazão, S., Morais, C., Norton, P. et al. Reading between the lines. Older people’s maltreatment - from detection to reporting in primary healthcare. BMC Public Health 26, 60 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-25394-1
Editora
Springer Nature