Elder Abuse and Neglect: Clergy Awareness, Knowledge, Intervention Preferences, and Perceived Severity

Primary Author: John D. Rudnick, Jr., Thomas More College

Because elder abuse victims, abusers, and stakeholders often seek help from trusted faith-based entities, clergy need to be adequately prepared with appropriate intervention responses, concept awareness and knowledge concerning elder abuse and neglect as an emerging health and social crisis (University of Kentucky, 2007). This presentation is based on a study that explored issues related to the general research question: "What is the perceived level of elder abuse and neglect awareness, knowledge and intervention preferences among Protestant clergy in Kentucky?
Survey responses were paired to examine relationships between demographic characteristics and the facets measured--awareness, knowledge intervention preferences, and perceived severity of elder abuse and neglect. Overall, clergy were generally not aware of their responsibilities and lacked detailed knowledge about elder abuse and neglect. Recommended areas for future research linked to awareness, knowledge, intervention responses and perceived severity are provided.

Conceptualising spirituality for medical research and health service provision

Primary Author: Michael B. King, University College London Medical School

This is a review article from BMC Health Services Research. Below is the abstract:

The need to take account of spirituality in research and health services provision is assuming ever greater importance. However the field has long been hampered by a lack of conceptual clarity about the nature of spirituality itself. We do not agree with the sceptical claim that it is impossible to conceptualise spirituality within a scientific paradigm. Our aims are to:

1) provide a brief overview of critical thinking that might form the basis for a useful definition of spirituality for research and clinical work

2) demystify the language of spirituality for clinical practice and research.

Spirituality and Palliative Care: Module for the Rotation in Hospice and Palliative Medicine

Primary Author: University of Maryland School of Medicine

Written content for lecture for medical students completing a rotation in Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Includes learning objectives for the session.

Spiritual Care Matters - An Introductory Resource For All NHS Scotland Staff

Primary Author: NHS Education for Scotland

Spirituality in Cancer Care (PDQ ) -- Health Professional Version

Primary Author: National Cancer Institute

Peer-reviewed summary of spirituality in cancer care, written by the National Cancer Institute. Topics include: definitions; the relation of religion and spirituality to adjustment, quality of life, and health indices; screening and assessment of spiritual concerns; modes of intervention; increasing personal awareness in healthcare providers; and other issues to consider.

Links provided to relevant articles in PubMed. Also available in Spanish.