Education Program Delivered to Community Aged Care Employees Based on a Diversity Conceptual Model: A Preliminary Evaluation Using Qualitative Methods

Abstract

Aim: To provide person-centred care, community aged care workers need to focus not only on one, but on all of the often overlapping layers of diversity. This project aims to develop an electronic diversity education resource based upon a Diversity Conceptual Model and deliver it to community aged care workers to explore the impact on their practice. Methods: The diversity education was delivered to 43 direct care workers including nurses and personal care workers. A focus group and semi-structured interviews were used to explore 11 participants’ thoughts and experiences of the education and its impact on their practice. Results: The diversity education positively influenced knowledge; built on participants’ skills; and influenced participants’ care practice. Conclusion: Diversity education of community aged care workers can positively influence knowledge, awareness, attitudes and practice.