# Screening and Caring for Older Adults Affected by Sexual or Other Types of Violence: A Pilot Study at Three Belgian Geriatric Departments

## TL;DR

A new guide helps healthcare providers identify and support older adults who have experienced violence, showing that many are willing to share their experiences when asked.

## Contribution

A trauma-informed guide was developed and pilot tested to screen for violence in older adults and improve healthcare provider responses.

## Key findings

- One in five older adults disclosed experiences of violence during the pilot study.
- Healthcare providers found the guide acceptable but noted the need for additional training.
- Older adults did not find the screening questions intrusive and valued being listened to.

## Abstract

What are the main findings?
The guide was pilot tested in three geriatric departments with a total of 104 older adults. Older adults are willing to disclose experiences of violence to healthcare providers.A comprehensive trauma-informed guide was developed, including screening questions and referral pathways, to identify all forms of violence experienced by older adults, regardless of when the violence occurredThis guidance supports healthcare providers in engaging in these conversations; however, additional education and training are necessary.

The guide was pilot tested in three geriatric departments with a total of 104 older adults. Older adults are willing to disclose experiences of violence to healthcare providers.

A comprehensive trauma-informed guide was developed, including screening questions and referral pathways, to identify all forms of violence experienced by older adults, regardless of when the violence occurred

This guidance supports healthcare providers in engaging in these conversations; however, additional education and training are necessary.

What is the implication of the main finding?
Older adults do not find the questions intrusive and appreciate being listened to.Healthcare providers should refrain from falling into the trap of problem-solving.

Older adults do not find the questions intrusive and appreciate being listened to.

Healthcare providers should refrain from falling into the trap of problem-solving.

Background/Objectives: Violence against older adults is a rising public health issue. Though older adults may not openly disclose such experiences, they are often willing to discuss them when given the opportunity. Healthcare providers in hospital settings can play a crucial role in the early identification and care. However, effective screening and response require comprehensive guidance. Methods: A pilot, multicentric feasibility study with a single-group intervention was implemented at three Belgian geriatric departments. The aim was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a new guide for identifying older adults (≥75 years), without major cognitive deficits, who have experienced violence, in order to subsequently provide them with adequate care. Admitted older adults were screened using the guidance, and healthcare providers who conducted the screenings completed questionnaires to evaluate their feasibility and acceptability. The Trial is registered in Clinicaltrials.gov [NCT06780540]. Results: A total of 104 admitted older adults (mean age: 83 years) were recruited across two Dutch-speaking and one French-speaking hospital in Belgium. One in five participants (20.2%) disclosed experiences of violence, either recent or throughout their lives. Healthcare providers (n = 12) positively evaluated the guidance, suggesting improvements in question formulation, protocol adaptability, and the need for further training. Conclusions: This guidance is feasible, acceptable, and holds potential for improving disclosure rates. To ensure the provision of appropriate and equitable care, it is essential to first equip healthcare providers with education and training on this topic. Future interventional research is required to implement the guide on a larger scale and to measure health-related outcomes.