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International Journal for Equity in Health
Published in: International Journal for Equity in Health 1/2020

01-12-2020 | Care | Research

The inter-relationship of diversity principles for the enhanced participation of older people in their care: a qualitative study

Authors: Rajna Ogrin, Claudia Meyer, Arti Appannah, Sally McMillan, Colette Browning

Published in: International Journal for Equity in Health | Issue 1/2020

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Abstract

Background

The health and aged care workforce must understand and support the diverse needs of older people to enhance their care experience. We previously identified five principles of diversity training for this workforce: awareness of unconscious bias and prejudice; promotion of inclusion; access and equity; appropriate engagement; and intersectionality. This study aims to explore how these principles are considered from the perspectives of older Australians.

Methods

Older people (≥65 years) receiving home care and nursing services based in Victoria, Australia were invited to participate in a home-based semi-structured interview about their experience of, or with, diversity. Interviews were thematically analysed using a priori categories based on our previous work on principles of diversity training, and themes were interpreted and expanded upon based on the participants’ experiences and understanding of diversity concepts and their care needs.

Results

Fifteen older people (seven female, eight male), mean age 76 years (range 71–85 years), were interviewed. Five themes were drawn from the data. It was found that human connection through building (1) trust and rapport was highly valued as an approach by older people, crucial as a first step to understanding what is important to the older person. Identifying with (2) intersectionality, that is, the different intersecting aspects of who they are and their experiences was understood by the participants as an important framework to meet their needs. The participants were aware of (3) unconscious bias and prejudice by health professionals and its impact on their care. Participants also noted that (4) promotion of inclusion through language was important to for a positive relationship with the healthcare worker. The participants understood that to facilitate human connection, these four principles of human interaction were critical, underpinned by (5) access and equity of the system. A model articulating these relationships was developed.

Conclusion

Health and aged care training should incorporate the five diversity principles to support older people to participate in their own care.
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Metadata
Title
The inter-relationship of diversity principles for the enhanced participation of older people in their care: a qualitative study
Authors
Rajna Ogrin
Claudia Meyer
Arti Appannah
Sally McMillan
Colette Browning
Publication date
01-12-2020
Publisher
BioMed Central
Keyword
Care
Published in
International Journal for Equity in Health / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1475-9276
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-020-1124-x

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