The recognition and appropriate management of elder abuse are paramount to

protect the increasing proportion of older persons in our population (Esther, Shahrul,
& Low, 2006). The identification of victims of abuse, maltreatment, and violence,
however, may be challenging (Schmeidel, Daly, Rosenbaum, Schmuch, & Jogerst,
2012; Shetterley, Malone, & Poon, 1998). Lack of training for health professional
training on elder abuse and unavailability of specific the legal protection for older
people may create barriers to supporting older people (Esther et al., 2006; World
Health Organization Centre For Health Development Kobe Japan, 2006). Therefore
there will be an increased need for professionals with skill to work with older people
and with victims of abuse and neglect from an older age group. Thus it is vital that
professionals are equipped to identify abusive situations and are confident in their
management of violence in the older population.

Frontline health care providers including those in primary care and emergency
care setting are in an ideal placed to engage in the early identification, support, and
referral of persons experiencing elder abuse (Harrell et al., 2002; Kennedy, 2005;
O'Brien, Riain, Collins, Long, & O'Neill, 2014). On certain condition the health care
providers may not be prepared to address elder abuse and neglect and there is a
need for more community-based training opportunities for professionals who work
and have frequent contact with older adults (Vansburger, Curtis, & Imbody, 2012).
Past literature has emphasized the importance of educating professionals on how to
recognize, treat and advocate services for elder abuse (Payne, 2008). Researchers
also found that knowledge of elder abuse, as well as an understanding of the aging
process, communication skills, community resources, interpersonal skills, ethical and
legal issues, were the main knowledge gaps identified by health care providers
(Shetterley et al., 1998). There is a positive correlation between reporting of abuse
with knowledge and education about abuse (Vida, Monks, & Des Rosiers, 2002).

Abuse increases both mortality and morbidity among older people, thus,
interventions initiated by health care providers can be important turning points for
victims (Baker, 2007; Dong et al., 2009; Richardson, Kitchen, & Livingston, 2002). A
survey conducted among health care providers reported noticeable improvements in
the situation of the victims of elder abuse and neglect following interventions by the
physicians (O'Brien et al., 2014). In terms of training approaches, educational
seminars are superior to printed material in increasing knowledge and ensuring good
management in this area (Lachs, Williams, O'Brien, Pillemer, & Charlson, 1998). The
purpose of this study is to develop and evaluate the training materials on elder abuse
intervention tailored for primary care doctors. This is part of ongoing efforts to
intervene abuse against older persons and to support older persons experiencing
violence that is cultural sensitivity and appropriate for the varied health system.