Abuse of social care clients committed by nurses and other social service employees-Analysis of employees' reports

• Published in: Journal of advanced nursing 2023-10, Vol.79 (10), p.3800-3808
• Main Authors: Härkänen, Marja, Koskiniemi, Saija, Syyrilä, Tiina, Ranta, Jouko, Säilä, Minna, Mäntymaa, Mia, Pehkonen, Aini, Vehviläinen-Julkunen, Katri
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abusers; Clients; Commitment; Content analysis; Criminal investigations; Discipline; Employees; Ethics; Hygiene; Inappropriateness; Measurement; Medical ethics; Nurses; Nursing; Patients; Professional ethics; Qualitative research; Sanctions; Scandals; Service industries; Sexual abuse; Social services; Social welfare; Treatment methods; Warnings
• ISSN: 0309-2402; 1365-2648
• DOI: 10.1111/jan.15713

The aim of the study was to describe the alleged abuse of social care clients committed by nurses and other social services employees and actions as well as sanctions that followed the alleged abuse. A retrospective study using a descriptive qualitative analysis. The data comprised mandatory reports made by social service employees under the Social Welfare Act. This study focused on the reported abuses of clients (n = 75) by social services employees from 11 October 2016 to 31 December 2020 in Finland. The data were analysed using inductive content analysis and quantification. The majority of the reports were submitted practical nurses and other nursing personnel and by registered nurses. The severity of the abuse was most often mild or moderate. The most common abusers were nurses. The types of alleged abuse committed by professionals were as follows: (1) neglect of care, (2) physical violence/strong-arm treatments, (3) neglect of hygiene, (4) inappropriate or threatening behaviour and (5) sexual abuse. The actions and sanctions that followed the alleged abuse were: (1) discussing the situation together, requesting an explanation, initiating hearing or defining developmental measures, (2) initiating disciplinary actions and providing verbal or written warnings, (3) dismissing or terminating the employee and (4) initiating a police investigation. Nurses are an important group working in social services and might also be involved in cases of abuse. It is important that risks, wrongdoings and abuses are reported. Transparent reporting indicates strong professional ethics. Knowledge about abuse in social services from the viewpoint of nursing is important for ensuring the quality and safety of services. The Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research guideline was followed. No patient or public contribution.