Table 1 Items in REAGERA-P

Case vignettes – Awareness of and attitudes to asking

Four cases with different main complaints: (a) bruises, (b) overdose antidepressants, (c) frequent attender with unclear symptoms, (d) chronic disease suddenly much worse. Two follow up questions

- How likely is it that you will ask [patient name] about abuse at any point during the conversation?

Response options: Not at all likely, not very likely, fairly likely, very likely

- Do you think that any of the care staff should ask [patient name] questions about abuse?

Response options: Yes, only based on the case, Yes, if any further signs, Yes, if he/she implies that he/she is a victim, No, it is best for him/her to take the initiative.

Self-efficacy scale:

At present, how would you manage to do the following things in your work?

- Eight specific tasks chosen to represent challenges concerning identifying and managing cases of elder abuse. Items are presented in Table 4 (factor analysis).

Response options: Scale 0–10 with 0 denoted as “Would manage it very poorly” and 10 as “Would manage it very well.”

Cause for concern

How worried are you about the following things when it comes to asking older patients questions about abuse?

- That the patient reacts negatively if I ask questions

- That the patient-care provider relationship will be negatively impacted if I ask questions

- That the patient’s situation will get worse if I ask questions

- That I myself will end up in a dangerous or threatening situation if I ask questions

- That I will not be able to offer the patient a good follow up

Response options (same to all questions): Not at all concerned, a little concerned, somewhat concerned, very concerned.

Organizational barriers

20. In your current work situation, how often do you have time to bring up the issue of abuse of older people with your patients if you would like to?

Response options: Never, rarely, often, always

21. If you would like help to handle the situation when an older patient tells you about abuse, do you know who at your workplace you could turn to?

Response options: Yes, No

22. How do you think the preparedness (a) at your workplace is (b) in society is for taking care of older patients subjected to abuse?

Response options: Very good, Fairly good, Somewhat inadequate, Very inadequate, Don’t know what preparedness there is

23. Do you know what you should do to document what patients tell you about abuse in a correct and secure way in the medical record?

Response options: Absolutely, To a great extent, To some extent, Definitely not

24. Do you think you have enough legal knowledge, for example about when and to whom one can/must report if an older patient is mistreated and what secrecy rules apply?

Response options: Absolutely, To a large extent, To some extent, Not really