Health expectations : an international journal of public participation in health care and health policy
Escalating Concerns in Paediatric Hospital Care: A Qualitative Study of Involvement, Support and Empowerment of Families From Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds
By Grigoletto I, Boyle E, Alhassan A and 6 others.
Abstract
Background
Families frequently recognise early signs of deterioration in their children. In English-centric environments, families from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds face challenges in escalating concerns in hospital because of language barriers, limited health literacy, uncertainty about escalation pathways, and variable staff responsiveness. Although digital approaches may support communication, it remains unclear whether they address the wider organisational conditions required for equitable escalation of care.
Objective
This study explored hospital experiences of CALD families and investigated their views on a potential digital tool to escalate acute clinical concerns during their child's hospitalisation. Material and methods: This qualitative study was guided by a multicultural consumer advisory group. Families from CALD backgrounds participated in semi-structured focus groups and one-to-one interviews, conducted in English or with interpreters. Audio-recordings were transcribed, de-identified and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.