|
|||||
|
|
Design of an evidence-based diversity workshop to support participation of older people in their community care |
|
| Authors: | Claudia Meyer Sally McMillan Colette Browning Arti Appannah Rajna Ogrin |
| Affiliation: | 1. Bolton Clarke, Bolton Clarke ResearchInstitute, Bentleigh, Australia;2. Centre for Health Communication and Participation, LaTrobe University, Bundoora, Australia;3. Bolton Clarke, Bolton Clarke Learning and Organisational Development, Bentleigh, Australia;4. International Institute for Primary Health Care Research, Shenzhen, China;5. Research Office, LaTrobe University, Bundoora, Australia;6. School of Physical Therapy, University of Western Ontario, Ottawa, Canada;7. Austin Health Clinical School, The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Australia;8. Biosignals and Affordable Healthcare, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia |
| Abstract: | Diversity is what makes a person unique, with the intersection of diversity characteristics potentially a strength or a barrier to accessing healthcare, and thereby affecting health and well-being outcomes. Many older people with diverse needs are not accessing appropriate services to meet their needs, leading to suboptimal health and well-being. Community aged care workers are at the frontline, working with diverse older people with complex needs; yet there is a dearth of training available in this sphere. This paper outlines the development and pilot evaluation of a diversity training workshop for managers and frontline community aged care workers. The aim of the workshop was to empower the workforce to support increased participation of older people with diverse needs in their own care, to ultimately lead to their improved health and well-being. Workshop development was underpinned by sound education principles, a competency framework and research evidence. First iteration of the workshop underwent pilot testing with three groups, two in metropolitan Melbourne (n = 31) and one in regional Victoria (n = 10), Australia. Feedback was gathered via an independent observer (field notes), pre- and post-workshop surveys, and phone interviews with participants 3-month post-workshop. Pilot data and feedback informed changes to workshop content (type of knowledge, application of knowledge and skills), workshop structure and androgogical (adult learning) approach. An evidence-informed diversity training workshop was developed through an iterative process, with the aim of enhancing knowledge, skills and attitudes of community aged care workers. This approach has developed a workshop that aims to better meet the needs of an aged care workforce, so that they may better support older people with diverse needs to increase engagement and participation in their care, optimizing their health and well-being. |
| Keywords: | |