SAFEGUARDING ADULTS

Primary Care Teams Basic Awareness Training

Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults – BMA ToolkitHealth professionals Should be able to identify adults whose physical,

psychological or social condition are likely to render them vulnerable

Should be able to recognise signs of abuse and neglect, including institutional neglect

Need to familiarise themselves with local procedures and protocols for supporting and protecting vulnerable adults

Resources for Primary Care

Training plan Exemplar policy Checklist Contact details Alerts

Scale of the problem

In 2010-11 there were 75,000 safeguarding adults referrals which met the threshold for investigation in England

The majority of people have a GP Serious case reviews almost always

demonstrate GP involvement A tiny number of alerts are made by GP

practices

Examples

Steven Hoskin (Cornwall) Fiona Pilkington Winterbourne View Death by indifference report

What do we mean by Safeguarding Adults? ‘ All the work which enables an adult who is or

may be eligible for community care services to retain independence, well-being and choice, and to access their human right to live a life that is free from abuse and neglect’

(Safeguarding Adults, ADASS,2005)

What do we mean by Vulnerable Adult ? Aged over 18

Who may need care services because of mental health issues, physical or learning disability, age or illness (elderly frail)

Who cannot always protect themselves from harm or exploitation

Factors Increasing Vulnerability Frail elderly Mental health disorder including dementia and

personality disorders Significant physical or sensory impairment Learning disability Severe physical illness Unpaid carer who is under severe stress or is isolated Homeless people Living with someone with a drug or alcohol problem Women as a result of isolating cultural factors

Categories of Abuse

• Physical• Sexual• Psychological• Financial• Neglect• Institutional• Discriminatory

Definition of Abuse• Abuse is a violation of an individual’s human and

civil rights by any other person or persons” (No Secrets 2000).

• It may be intentional or unintentional• It may consist of a single act or repeated acts• It may cause harm temporarily or over a period

of time• May occur in any setting• People who behave abusively come from all

walks of life• It may be acts of omissions

Factors to Consider 1. One off event or repeated?2. The impact on victim and others3. The impact on others e.g. children and families4. Intent of alleged perpetrator5. Illegality of alleged actions6. Risk of repeat to this victim7. Risk of repeat to other vulnerable adults or

children

The Jigsaw

Doreen

Doreen – mother of a man with mental health and alcohol problems

Discloses that he has hit her recently What types of abuse are you concerned about? What do you need to know? What might be making her vulnerable? What might protect her?

Responding to allegations or concerns Ensure safety Take seriously and remain calm Preserve evidence Avoid leading questions Don’t confront alleged perpetrator Keep records Consider who else might have information Seek advice

Examples of Legislation Human Rights Act 1998 Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (Whistle Blowing) Data Protection Act 1998 Youth and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 Sexual Offences Act 2003 Protection Of Vulnerable Adults (POVA) 2004 Mental Capacity Act 2005 Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 Health and Social Care Act 2008

Mental Capacity Act Principles

Presumption of capacity Maximise decision making ability Freedom to make unwise decisions Best interests Less restrictive alternative

Assessing Mental Capacity (MCA1 form)1. Is there an impairment of, or disturbance in the

functioning of the individual’s mind or brain?2. Complete assessment Understand information Retain information Weigh up information Communicate their decision

Decision Making Flowchart

How to Refer

Local Adult Social Services Phone Follow up with multi-agency alert form

Option of discussion and seeking advice

After referral

Initial information gathering and safeguarding decision (within 24 hours)

Strategy meeting or discussion (within 5-7 days) Allocate responsibilities and agree initial

protection plan Protection plan meeting (within 28 days) Review meetings and core group meetings

Doreen

What would you do?

What Makes It Difficult to Refer

Uncertainty as to what constitutes abuse Uncertainty as to what will happen Concern about impact on relationships Lack of consent Concerns regarding confidentiality Not having the whole picture

Record Keeping

Document concerns and information in medical records

Document information received from other agencies

Document discussions and decision making e.g. assessment of capacity

Store case conference notes in medical records

Prevention Training and awareness Patient information Asking questions Consider in reviews e.g. chronic disease Follow up non attenders e.g. QOF, repeat prescriptions Carers policy Flag records of vulnerable adults Discuss concerns and significant events Contribute to meetings

Practice Checklist Safeguarding adults policy Safeguarding adults lead Highlight records of vulnerable adults QOF exception reporting based on clinical decision Patient information available Regular training Significant events discussed Concerns shared within PHCT Carers policy Minimum safety criteria for staff employment Complaints and whistle-blowing policy

Guidance

“No Secrets” DOH Guidance on implementing Multi-Agency Policy

Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults – a toolkit for General Practitioners. British Medical Association

Safeguarding Adults. The role of health service practitioners

National Competence Framework for Safeguarding Adults

Deciding Right (www.theclinicalnetwork.org)

Case Studies

What type of abuse? What makes them vulnerable? What would you do?