title: Elder abuse: the R.T.'s role in diagnosis and prevention.
abstract: During the course of their jobs, radiologic technologists may encounter older patients who are the victims of abuse. In addition to their role in aiding with diagnosis, radiologic technologists can help in the prevention of elder abuse through an understanding of their ethical and legal obligations and good patient assessment skills. Although health care professionals may be legally mandated to report abuse, a complicating factor is the right of the elderly patient to self-determination. This article outlines some of the factors used in determining whether abuse should be suspected and reported.
authors.affiliation: Division of Medical Imaging and Therapy, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.
authors.forename: S B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Dowd
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Durick
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004552:Elder Abuse / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000517:prevention & control; D004995:Ethics, Professional; D006801:Humans; D019221:Mandatory Reporting; D010344:Patient Advocacy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D010358:Patient Participation / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D013679:Technology, Radiologic / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence