ABSTRACT
Emergency department (ED) clinicians are in an excellent position to intervene in cases of abuse and neglect of the elderly (ANE) because of the frequency with which these situations are seen in EDs. When this condition is untreated, admissions to the acute hospital through the ED are common. For these reasons, ED evaluation and intervention can be critical to appropriate long-term management of this condition. Compared with primary care physicians who have the luxury of a longitudinal relationship that allows for multiple assessment opportunities and building confidence with all parties, ED personnel may be at a disadvantage when faced with the more subtle manifestations of ANE. Even so, if ED physicians and staff develop confidence in recognizing key signs that activate the assessment process and develop expertise in accessing appropriate referral resources, they can have significant impact.
