title: "Flying by the seat of our pants": current processes to share best practices to deal with elder abuse.
abstract: We examined current processes used to identify, communicate, and adopt "best practices" in the field of elder abuse using an iterative process involving literature and Internet reviews, surveys completed by stakeholders, and key informant interviews. Results indicate minimal research evidence exists to support current assessment and intervention strategies; there is an immediate need for more evaluation and research in this area and for improved knowledge exchange and translation. Two strategic directions are recommended: to (a) build capacity for research and program evaluation to advance knowledge of effective practices, and (b) build capacity for knowledge exchange to enhance professionals' efforts.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Studies and Gerontology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. stolee@uwaterloo.ca
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Stolee
authors.forename: Loretta M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Hiller
authors.forename: Maureen
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Etkin
authors.forename: Jordache
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McLeod
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D004552:Elder Abuse / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care