Aged care, cultural and linguistic diversity and IT in Australia: a critical perspective

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to contribute a critical perspective to debate on health disparities in Australia by examining the ways in which information technology (IT) can support more inclusive communication on aged care with refugee and migrant communities from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. Design/methodology/approach – The paper analyses research and policy literature on Australian aged care, IT and participatory approaches to health communication influenced by Friere's critical pedagogy. It distils significant themes for comparison with findings from: a qualitative research project involving communities from Vietnamese, Sudanese and Samoan backgrounds and elderly members of those groups; and, a later case study conducted with elderly women of Vietnamese background. Both projects were based in Melbourne's west. Findings – Friere's theoretical framework can be used to more fully determine the capacity of IT to perform inclusive communication on aged care with refugee and migrant communities from CALD backgrounds. This is best actioned through future research and practice that: prioritizes specific aged care issues; focuses on expanding the “transformation” and “critical consciousness” elements of Friere's dialogical theory; and, uses affordable, accessible and “multi-modal” IT combined with face-to-face bilingual facilitation and two-way communication between participants and health, community and university professionals. Research limitations/implications – Due to the conceptual nature of the paper, the research results lack generalizability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the reccomendations further. Originality/value – The paper fills a gap in understanding about what may help in developing more inclusive aged care information using IT with elderly refugees and migrants from CALD backgrounds in Australia.