PREACHING TO THE UNCONVERTED - EDUCATING PHYSICIANS ABOUT ELDER ABUSE

In contrast to the pivotal role physicians played in the movement to p rotect the rights of abused children, we have been conspicuously absen t in the field of elder abuse. This paper argues that the apathy is ro oted in causes generic to family violence (such as clinical and academ ic discomfort, time and reimbursement constraints, and perceived impor tance) as well as causes unique to elder abuse (such as ageism and lac k of a scientific knowledge base). Specific strategies are offered to address these obstacles including (1) framing the problem medically, ( 2) developing a credible knowledge base visible to clinicians, (3) ent ering mainstream medical education, and (4) emphasizing elder abuse po licy efforts that address the concerns of physicians. The concept of t he ''geriatric syndrome'' provides a familiar and useful framework for physicians to systematically evaluate suspected elder abuse and negle ct.