Challenges and opportunities for the multicultural aged care workforce: A systematic review and meta-synthesis
Li Chen RN, BN (Honours)
College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Lily D. Xiao RN PhD
Professor
College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
Correspondence
Lily D. Xiao, RN PhD, Professor, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
Email: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorWeifeng Han PhD
Lecturer
College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorClaudia Meyer PhD, MPH BAppSci (Physio)
Research Fellow, Adjunct Research Fellow
Bolton Clarke Research Institute, Kelvin Grove, Vic., Australia
Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living (RAIL) Research Centre, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia
Search for more papers by this authorAmanda Müller PhD AE Grad Cert TESOL Grad Cert Higher Ed
Senior Lecturer
College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorLi Chen RN, BN (Honours)
College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Lily D. Xiao RN PhD
Professor
College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
Correspondence
Lily D. Xiao, RN PhD, Professor, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
Email: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorWeifeng Han PhD
Lecturer
College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorClaudia Meyer PhD, MPH BAppSci (Physio)
Research Fellow, Adjunct Research Fellow
Bolton Clarke Research Institute, Kelvin Grove, Vic., Australia
Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living (RAIL) Research Centre, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia
Search for more papers by this authorAmanda Müller PhD AE Grad Cert TESOL Grad Cert Higher Ed
Senior Lecturer
College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
Aims
To identify (a) the challenges for multicultural aged care teams; (b) the opportunities to facilitate teamwork; and (c) the strategies to assist team members in a multicultural work environment.
Background
High-income countries have an increasingly culturally diverse aged care workforce. Fostering teamwork in such an environment is challenging.
Methods
This systematic review of qualitative studies followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) meta-aggregation approach. Six databases were searched. Retrieved articles were screened by two reviewers. This review identified 111 findings that were aggregated into 15 categories and five themes.
Findings
Aged care workers' awareness of cultural diversity varies, and their knowledge of each other's cultural background is limited. However, cultural skills are demonstrated, contributing to teamwork. Their experience in cross-cultural encounters is broad, and enhanced team cohesion is desired.
Conclusions
The cultural competence of the aged care workforce shapes team building, peer support opportunities and positive cross-cultural experiences.
Implications for Nursing Management
Recommendations are provided for the adaptation of aged care workers to culturally diverse teams, fostering teamwork to enhance care outcomes for clients. Interventions for improvements in cross-cultural leadership and management, and staff experience of cross-cultural encounters are much needed.
Supporting Information
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| jonm13067-sup-0001-Appendices.docxWord document, 83.6 KB | Supplementary Material |
Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.
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