NCJ Number
145868
Journal
Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect Volume: 2 Issue: 1-2 Dated: (1990) Pages: 5-29
Date Published
1990
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This article focuses on a survey of nursing home employees that attempted to determine the extent and reasons for the physical and psychological abuse of patients.
Abstract
In this study, nearly 600 nurses and nurse's aides in 32 long-term care facilities were surveyed to gain a better understanding of patient maltreatment. After defining maltreatment, the authors provide profiles of the staff surveyed including age, sex, level of education, income and years worked at their present job and total years of work in nursing homes. Respondents were questioned about overall attitudes toward nursing home work, the amount of stress they experience in their jobs and the frequency of conflict with patients. Findings are reported on the extent and type of physical and psychological abuse of patients and the variables found to be most useful in predicting inappropriate physical actions by staff. Implications of the study are discussed and recommendations are offered to reduce patient abuse. The article also includes a description of a training program that was offered to the respondents as a reward for participating in the study.