ABSTRACT
Persons who are abused often have serious problems in a complicated life situation. We studied this issue and considered ways in which medical social workers (MSWs) handle these social problems. We collected data in 16 cases of elderly abuse that were managed by staff at our hospital from 2010 to 2013 and compared the characteristics in these cases with those of 23 cases of child abuse during the same period. Data analysis revealed 3 characteristics of abused persons: insufficient use of long-term care insurance service; mental disorder such as dementia or mental illness; and financial problems. Further detailed analysis found that intervention for elderly abuse cases was requested only in more difficult cases when abuse was easily identified by our staff. Therefore, staff’s awareness and motivation to become more involved in cases of elderly abuse may be low compared with cases of child abuse. Hospital staff are in a position where they should be able to readily identify maltreatment of aged persons. We need to develop a mechanism for the early detection of elderly abuse so staff can intervene easily in mild cases of elderly abuse, and ask for assistance from MSWs in more difficult cases. It is important to ensure that all employees have access to MSWs in the hospital.
ABSTRACT
Background: In our hospital, a mini-lecture is given before a social gathering during “Cancer Salon-”<br>Purpose: To examine Significance of the mini-lecture.<br>Method: The results of a questionnaire survey of the participants were summarized.<br>Results: The mini-lectures were performed by multidisciplinary persons. The survey found that a significantly large number of the participants felt the mini-lectures by persons other than medical doctors were helpful (p=0.021).<br>Discussion: Mini-lectures are valuable in that they provide not only information but also “create an atmosphere” of the following meeting. In addition, to receive a favorable assessment from the audience, it is important for the speakers, even the doctors, to understand the feelings of the participants, and take part in the subsequent get-together without formality.<br>Conclusion: The mini-lecture creates an atmosphere toward the social gatherings, and leads the speakers to adapt to the occasion with the participants.