Health information and resources in hospital outpatient waiting areas may not meet the needs of older adults from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds: A cross-cultural qualitative study.

Abstract

Background: Health information and resources are often provided in hospital outpatient waiting areas but may not meet the cultural and health literacy needs of older adults from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.

Objectives: To explore the perspectives and experiences of Cantonese- and Vietnamese-speaking patients and carers in this setting.

Methods: This qualitative interview-based study was conducted from December 2019 to March 2020 at a single outpatient rehabilitation service located at a tertiary public hospital. Four adult consumers (two older adult patients, two caregivers) from CALD backgrounds participated in semi-structured interviews with bilingual researchers. Data were transcribed, translated and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results: Five themes were developed which highlighted that older adults' language profiles shaped their health information needs and ability to access resources in waiting areas. Cultural factors such as filial responsibility may also influence health information preferences.

Discussion: Older consumers from CALD backgrounds did not have equitable access to health information and resources in the waiting area compared with English-literate older adults.

Conclusion: Health information and resources in waiting areas warrant improving to better meet the needs of older patients from CALD backgrounds and their caregivers.