Claudia Meyer1,2, Arti Appannah3, Sally McMillan4, Colette Browning5,6, Rajna Ogrin1,7,8,9. 1. Bolton Clarke Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. 2. Centre for Health Communication and Participation, LaTrobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. 3. LaTrobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. 4. Bolton Clarke Learning and Organisational Development, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. 5. International Institute for Primary Health Care Research, Shenzhen, China. 6. Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 7. School of Physical Therapy, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada. 8. Austin Health Clinical School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. 9. Biosignals and Affordable Healthcare, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Typically, older people are viewed via a single health condition, yet health outcomes are likely impacted by the intersection of many individual characteristics. Promoting inclusive health care is underpinned by reducing bias, respectful communication and supporting individual needs and preferences. This study explores perspectives of community aged care workers on diversity training and implementing training into practice. METHODS: Ninety community aged care workers were telephone-interviewed three months after a one-day diversity training workshop. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. RESULTS: Five themes emerged: 'raising awareness'; 'reserving judgement'; 'confidence and empowerment to embed diversity into practice'; 'communicating effectively'; and 'thinking about change … but'. CONCLUSIONS: Diversity concepts were positively received, but applying diversity principles into practice is more difficult. Recommendations to promote inclusive health care included raising awareness of bias, communicating with inclusive language and embedding diversity concepts into community aged care practice by addressing individual, organisational and wider system constraints.
OBJECTIVES: Typically, older people are viewed via a single health condition, yet health outcomes are likely impacted by the intersection of many individual characteristics. Promoting inclusive health care is underpinned by reducing bias, respectful communication and supporting individual needs and preferences. This study explores perspectives of community aged care workers on diversity training and implementing training into practice. METHODS: Ninety community aged care workers were telephone-interviewed three months after a one-day diversity training workshop. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. RESULTS: Five themes emerged: 'raising awareness'; 'reserving judgement'; 'confidence and empowerment to embed diversity into practice'; 'communicating effectively'; and 'thinking about change … but'. CONCLUSIONS: Diversity concepts were positively received, but applying diversity principles into practice is more difficult. Recommendations to promote inclusive health care included raising awareness of bias, communicating with inclusive language and embedding diversity concepts into community aged care practice by addressing individual, organisational and wider system constraints.