Welcome to the 26th WONCA Europe Virtual Conference Programme Scheduling

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Background:

Elder abuse and neglect (EAN) is a common and growing problem. Unfortunately it can easily remain undiagnosed, specifically in difficult times such as during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the WHO every year 1 in 6 elders suffers from some kind of maltreatment; it is estimated that EAN affects 4 million older people in Europe anually. There are several forms of EAN: physical, sexual or psychological maltreatment, as well as financial exploitation, neglect and abandonment. EAN affects morbidity, mortality as well as wellbeing of the victim. The primary health care team is strategically placed in a position which enables recognition of EAN and action. These important tasks require knowledge and skills, multi-disciplinary collaboration and a bio-psychosocial approach. Ethical and legal issues should also be addressed.

Aims and learning objectives: In our workshop we wish to raise awareness and provide some practical tools. Learning objectives are: 1. Recognizing what is EAN and it's prevalence 2. Recognizing EAN'S clinical presentations 3. How to approach a case of EAN in practice

Methods and timetable: Following a short background presentation (15 min) we will work in small virtual groups analyzing cases of EAN (15 min). Upon return to the plenary highlights from group discussions will be presented and discussed (15 min).

Conclusions:

Participants are expected to gain Increased awareness and knowledge regarding elder abuse and approach to care of victims in primary care.

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BACKGROUND

Spontaneous disclosure of survivors of initimate partner violence (IPV) in family practices is extremely rare. In spite of frequent contacts with healthcare system, 20 to 70% of victims never raise the topic of violence when talking to their healthcare professionals, unless specifically asked. According to international recommendations, identifying victims and perpetrators of IPV should take place in primary healthcare. Evidence shows, that the victims would disclose to their family doctor, if asked in the proper manner. Several barriers on both sides, the doctors´ and the survivors´, prevent the violence from being identified and adressed effectively.

AIMS AND LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Facilitating disclosure as an important element in treating violence will be presented.

The aim of the workshop is to address communication skills in the approach to the patients affected by IPV (e.g. 'LIVES'-Listen better to survivors, Inquire specificall, Validate emotion and suffering, show Empathy and Empower, asses and plan for Safety).

The participants will acquire a practical tool to use in the communication with survivors of IPV.

METHODS AND TIMETABLE

The following methods will be implemented: a short plenary presentation (10 min), clinical case discussion, partly in small groups (25min). By returning to plenary, we will highliht the dilemmas in talking to survivors of violence. (10min).

CONCLUSIONS

Take-home messages, including practical tools for dealing with IPV in primary care, will be presented in conclusion of the workshop.