Name of the Procedure:

Common name: Elder Maltreatment Screen Technical/Medical term: G8734 - Elder Maltreatment Screen Documented as Negative, No Follow-up Required

Summary

This procedure involves screening an elderly patient for signs of maltreatment, which includes neglect, abuse, or exploitation. If the screening results are negative, no further follow-up is required.

Purpose

Screening for elder maltreatment aims to detect any signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation to ensure the well-being and safety of elderly patients. The goal is to confirm the absence of maltreatment and avoid unnecessary follow-ups if the screening is negative.

Indications

• Elderly patients in routine medical check-ups.
• Individuals over the age of 65.
• Situations where there might be concerns about the welfare of the elderly patient (e.g., noticeable changes in mood, unexplained injuries).

Preparation

There are no specific preparations or pre-procedure instructions required for the patient. It is essential for healthcare providers to explain the purpose of the screening to the patient to ensure their comfort and collaboration.

Procedure Description

1. The healthcare provider will ask a series of questions related to the patient's wellbeing and observe the patient's physical and emotional state.
2. These questions may involve inquiries about the patient's living situation, their relationship with caregivers, and any experiences of neglect or abuse.
3. The provider may also perform a gentle physical examination to check for any signs of physical abuse or neglect.

Tools, equipment, or technology: Typically, the procedure involves a checklist or questionnaire and may also include a physical examination.

Anesthesia or sedation: None required.

Duration

The screening typically takes about 10-15 minutes to complete.

Setting

The procedure is usually performed in a healthcare setting such as a hospital, outpatient clinic, or a primary care physician's office.

Personnel

The screening is usually conducted by a primary care physician, nurse, or other healthcare providers trained to recognize signs of elder maltreatment.

Risks and Complications

There are no direct risks or complications associated with the screening itself. However, identifying maltreatment can lead to necessary intervention actions.

Benefits

The primary benefit is ensuring the safety and well-being of the elderly patient by confirming the absence of maltreatment. If maltreatment were present, the screening could lead to interventions that could prevent further harm.

Recovery

As this is a non-invasive screening process, there is no recovery period required. Patients can resume their normal activities immediately after the procedure.

Alternatives

There are no direct alternatives to screening for maltreatment, although different screening tools and methods may be used.

Pros of the described procedure: It helps in early detection of issues that might otherwise go unnoticed and ensures patient safety.

Cons of alternatives: Other methods may vary in sensitivity and specificity, but screening is generally standard practice for elderly care.

Patient Experience

Patients might feel a bit uncomfortable discussing sensitive topics, but healthcare providers are trained to approach these subjects with empathy and care. There should be no physical discomfort associated with the screening. Comfort measures might include providing a safe and private environment for the discussion.