Virtual care for culturally and linguistically diverse older adults

HDR Candidate Project:

Virtual care, the provision of health-related services and information through electronic information and telecommunication technologies, has emerged as a pivotal solution in addressing the healthcare needs of populations worldwide. As societies grapple with the challenges of an aging population, the significance of virtual care services for older individuals becomes even more pronounced. These services offer the elderly a convenient and efficient means to access medical care, especially in the face of mobility challenges and the ongoing global health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, while virtual care holds promise, its implementation is not without challenges. For the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) elderly population, the adoption and effective use of virtual care services can be hindered by unique barriers. These barriers often stem from cultural and linguistic differences, which can influence their perceptions, trust, and understanding of digital health interventions. Furthermore, issues of digital equity, encompassing access, use, and quality of virtual care services, have been identified as significant concerns for older persons living with multiple chronic diseases.

This thesis aims to explore avenues for providing culturally appropriate care for older adults utilizing virtual care technologies. Given the potential of virtual care to revolutionize healthcare delivery for the elderly and the unique challenges faced by the CALD elderly population, it becomes imperative to delve deeper into understanding their experiences and develop strategies that ensure culturally sensitive and effective virtual care.