Recognising and responding to abuse in the community: an audit of community nurses’ knowledge and confidence in Irelands mid-west region

Purpose This paper aims to present the findings of an audit conducted to assess the knowledge, confidence and training needs of community nurses in the mid-west region of Ireland concerning adult safeguarding practices. Safeguarding adults in community settings requires a thorough understanding of various abuse types, alongside national policy, procedures and guidelines for recognising, responding and reporting abuse. Design/methodology/approach In this audit, a nine-item questionnaire assessed community nurses’ familiarity with abuse categories, perceived barriers and confidence to reporting, and current safeguarding training provisions. Findings revealed apparent gaps in knowledge, with no respondents identifying familiarity with all forms of abuse. Findings Confidence in reporting abuse varied significantly, with barriers such as fear of repercussions and uncertainty about reporting outcomes cited. Practical implications Results suggest community nurses would benefit from enhanced education on abuse identification and reporting pathways, along with additional support from management to foster a supportive reporting safeguarding culture. The audit highlights key areas where targeted improvements could strengthen safeguarding practices in the community. Strengthening these areas is essential to promote patient safety and ensure compliance with national safeguarding standards in community healthcare. Originality/value This audit offers an unique insight into community nurses’ roles in safeguarding adults at risk of abuse, highlighting challenges and gaps within their practice.