What should a medical professional do if they suspect patient abuse?

When a medical professional suspects patient abuse, the appropriate action is to report it to the relevant authorities as mandated by law. This duty stems from legal and ethical obligations to protect vulnerable individuals, including patients who may be unable to defend themselves or speak out about their situation. Many jurisdictions have laws that require healthcare professionals to report suspected abuse, as failure to do so can result in legal consequences and can put the patient at further risk.

Reporting ensures that trained professionals can investigate the situation appropriately, and necessary interventions can be made to protect the patient’s wellbeing and safety. The process often involves contacting child protective services, adult protective services, or law enforcement, depending on the patient's age and the nature of the suspected abuse.

Discussing suspicions with the patient first may impede the investigation, potentially putting the patient at further risk if the suspected abuser is present. Ignoring the suspicion until proof is obtained can allow ongoing harm to occur and may violate mandated reporting laws. Finally, notifying the patient's family could inadvertently compound the situation if they are involved in the abuse or may not have the best interests of the patient at heart. For these reasons, reporting to authorities is the most effective and responsible course of action.