MEDICAL STUDENTS LACK KNOWLEDGE OF ELDER ABUSE
*Embargoed Until 0h01 on 6 May 2010* Research published today in Age and Ageing, the Journal of the British Geriatrics Society (BGS), highlights that UK medical students are not being taught about elder abuse in all medical schools, despite ongoing concerns about the different types of elder abuse and neglect experienced by older people. A survey of UK medical schools was carried out by a team of researchers at the University of Nottingham to evaluate what medical undergraduates in the UK are taught about ageing and geriatric medicine and how this teaching is delivered. Just over half of the UK medical schools responded (17 out of 31). While the results demonstrated that the so-called ‘giants’ of geriatric medicine – delirium, dementia, stroke, falls, osteoporosis, Parkinsonism, polypharmacy and incontinence - are taught in the majority of medical schools, there were some significant omissions. A fifth of older people presenting to emergency departments report experience of abuse. However, less than half the medical schools which responded to the survey (eight) formally teach students about elder abuse. Only five of these examine students to check their understanding of the problem and ability to take appropriate action. This is despite the fact that ‘abuse of the vulnerable patient’ is explicitly referred to in Tomorrow’s Doctors, the document prepared by the General Medical Council, which sets out the knowledge and skills that medical students should learn at UK medical schools. Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director at Age UK said: “We are very concerned that not all UK medical schools are teaching undergraduates how to recognize and respond to cases of elder abuse. It is symptomatic of the low priority given to older peoples' needs when training the health professionals of tomorrow. Making sure there is an effective NHS workforce, now and in the future, means putting the needs of older people at the top of the agenda”. Adam Gordon, lead researcher said: “This is the most comprehensive survey of undergraduate teaching in ageing and geriatric medicine within the UK to date and the lack of teaching about elder abuse is a worrying finding. We are writing to the Deans of all the UK medical schools with a copy of our research to encourage them to address this gap. In view of the fact that older people make up the largest single group of patients using the NHS, with almost two-thirds of general and acute hospital beds in use by people over 65, it is essential that all medical undergraduates learn about ageing and the appropriate management of older people. This must include recognition of elder abuse and knowing what action to take.” For more information about the research or to interview Adam Gordon please contact Iona-Jane Harris on 020 7608 8573 or 07766 227724 or email press@bgs.org.uk Notes to Editors 1. The research was conducted a team of researchers at the University of Nottingham. It was supported by the British Geriatrics Society and the British Council on Ageing. The survey was completed by 17 out of the 31 UK medical schools. 2. The British Geriatrics Society (BGS) is a membership association of doctors, nurses, therapists, scientists and others with a particular interest in the care of the frail older person and in promoting better health in old age. Visit: www.bgs.org.uk
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