Champions’ perspectives on implementing the National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Ageing and Aged Care Strategy in Queensland
Ruth McPhail A B and Liz Fulop AA Griffith Business School, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Qld 4222, Australia. Email: l.fulop@griffith.edu.au
B Corresponding author. Email: r.mcphail@griffith.edu.au
Australian Health Review 40(6) 633-640 https://doi.org/10.1071/AH15185
Submitted: 23 January 2015 Accepted: 2 December 2015 Published: 1 February 2016
Abstract
Objective The National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) Ageing and Aged Care Strategy was introduced by the Commonwealth Government in 2012. The present study explored perceptions of the first Aged Care Champions (trained employees) of the opportunities, challenges and barriers to implementing the Strategy in Queensland.
Methods The present study was an exploratory study of Champions who were nominated by their providers to build capacity around the Strategy for introduction into their organisations. The Champions (n = 62) were surveyed before commencing their training programs. Quantitative and qualitative material was collected on how the Champions perceived the introduction of the six standards within their organisation.
Results Champions perceived that there were opportunities to improve inclusivity, leverage organisational support and increase training and support to staff. Key challenges identified were internal attitudes and values, a lack of resources and a need for training and networking. Significant barriers included a lack of management support, resistant staff and pre-existing prejudicial values.
Conclusions Providers and practitioners can leverage the opportunity to increase organisational levels of inclusivity, demonstrate organisational support to improve outcomes for clients and stakeholders and, importantly, provide staff training and development critical to the successful implementation of the Strategy.
What is known about the topic? Many LGBTI elders have faced a lived history of oppression and discrimination and have special health care needs. As they age, their needs for greater levels of care increase, but for many so to do their concerns about receiving equitable treatment.
What does this paper add? The National LGBTI Ageing and Aged Care Strategy was introduced to address the concerns and needs of LGBTI elders and ensure inclusive and supportive care. This study explores the opportunities, challenges and barriers as perceived by employees trained to introduce the Strategy into their services in Queensland. The present study is the first to explore the introduction of the Strategy from employees’ perspectives.
What are the implications for practitioners? In the present study, the opportunity for increasing inclusivity, levels of support and training and development were explored from an employee perspective, giving voice to this group of practitioners. Challenges, including current attitudes and values of staff and management, as well as a lack of resources and making connections and networks, are identified. Finally, barriers to the implementation of the Strategy are outlined, including levels of support, staff resistance, values and past negative histories of many LGBTI elders.
Additional keywords: health policy, managing aged care services.
References
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