APS participatory network case study review.

The goal of this project was to establish the feasibility of linking a practice-based research network of Adult Protective Service (APS) workers to an academic institution. To determine whether this newly formed APS research network was feasible, a qualitative research project was attempted with network members who had e-mail. An e-mailed single case study with three questions sent to the 356 network members yielded a 31% return rate. APS workers suggested 73 different ideal and actual services for the case study abuse victim. Half of the respondents were unable to implement the ideal service. Barriers were predominantly financial, victim and daughter cooperation, and availability of resources. It is realistic and feasible to establish an adult protective service research network with an interdisciplinary academic research team.