Search

In Australia, a significant number of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) grandparents are sole carers for their grandchildren. Available information on the impact of caring on CALD grandparents and the ability of service providers to respond to their needs is limited. Our needs-gap analysis quality improvement project aimed to uncover 'hidden issues' for CALD grandparent carers so that services can be improved. One hundred service providers, such as community and aged-care services, child and/or grandparent support services and CALD-specific services, were approached using six structured questions. Six consultative forums on the caring role, issues encountered, and what needed to be done, were conducted with African, Asian, Spanish, Middle Eastern, European, Pacific Island andMaori grandparent carers in Queensland. The data were qualitatively analysed. Six themes emerged: 1) service provider and grandparent carer perception that there was limited research on CALD grandparents; 2) inadequate legal and financial support; 3) barriers to accessing information; 4) lack of childcare options; 5) transport difficulties; and 6) inadequate technological skills. Our findings provide insight to health service providers on the 'hidden issues' so that they can better assist CALD grandparent carers by improving access to relevant information, referrals and resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Health professionals may be expert clinicians but do not automatically make effective teachers and need educational development. In response, a team of health academics at an Australian university developed and evaluated the continuing education Graduate Certificate in Health Professional Education Program using an interprofessional learning model. Methods: The model was informed by Collins interactional expertise and Knowles adult learning theories. The team collaboratively developed and taught four courses in the program. Blended learning methods such as web-based learning, face-to-face workshops, and online discussion forums were used. Twenty-seven multidisciplinary participants enrolled in the inaugural program. Focus group interview, self-report questionnaires, and teacher observations were used to evaluate the program. Results: Online learning motivated participants to learn in a collaborative virtual environment. The workshops conducted in an interprofessional environment promoted knowledge sharing and helped participants to better understand other discipline roles, so they could conduct clinical education within a broader health care team context. Work-integrated assessments supported learning relevance. The teachers, however, observed that some participants struggled because of lack of computer skills. Discussion: Although the interprofessional learning model promoted collaboration and flexibility, it is important to note that consideration be given to participants who are not computer literate. We therefore conducted a library and computer literacy workshop in orientation week which helped. An interprofessional learning environment can assist health professionals to operate outside their "traditional silos" leading to a more collaborative approach to the provision of care. Our experience may assist other organizations in developing similar programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]