Using a co-design methodological approach to optimize perioperative nursing care for older adult patients from ethnically diverse backgrounds: a study protocol

ABSTRACT

This article outlines the use of a co-design methodological approach aimed at optimizing perioperative care experiences for ethnically diverse older adults and their family carers. The research involved three phases. In Phase 1, the foundation was established with the formation of a Core Advisory Group comprising key informants, including health consumers. This initial phase focused on forming relationships and conducting a literature review to inform subsequent stages of the research. Phase 2 progressed to data collection, where a qualitative survey on perioperative experiences was conducted. Semi-structured interviews were held with patients, their family carers, and perioperative staff. Phase 3 advanced the co-design process through a workshop involving patients, family carers, perioperative staff, and key stakeholders. Workshop participants collaborated on potential practice changes, proposing strategies for future clinical implementation. While data analysis and reporting for Phases 2 and 3 are forthcoming, the continued involvement of the Core Advisory Group ensures ongoing consensus-building on health consumer needs. This methodology article adopts a prospective stance, with findings to be presented in subsequent scholarly works. Use of this methodology will help to determine how the use of a co-design approach may impact the development of culturally responsive perioperative nursing care for those from ethnically diverse communities.

KEYWORDS:

• Ageing
• co-design
• ethnicity
• older adult
• perioperative
• surgery

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by Western Sydney University Candidature support funds.

Notes on contributors

Charmaine G. Bonus

Charmaine G. Bonus is a registered nurse with experience primarily in perioperative settings. She completed her Bachelor of Nursing degree at Western Sydney University with the assistance of the UWS Smart Start Scholarship. Charmaine then went on to complete postgraduate studies through the University of Technology Sydney, completing a postgraduate diploma of nursing, with a sub-major in recovery and anaesthetics. In 2012, she graduated with a master’s degree in nursing, majoring in clinical education. For 8 years, Charmaine worked as an academic with The Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery at the University of Sydney. Charmaine is also an alumnus of The University of Sydney, graduating from a Master of Education (Research). She currently works for the Australian Catholic University as a nursing Lecturer while also simultaneously a PhD candidate with Western Sydney University. Her PhD is about ageing migrant health, with a focus on perioperative experiences of this patient population group. She has been a part of the Australian College of Perioperative Nurses (ACORN) research committee, and is a current member of the Research and Data Working Group of the Australian Multicultural Health Collaborative.

Deborah Hatcher

Deborah Hatcher Professor is the Dean of the School of Nursing and Midwifery and Provost of the Parramatta South campus at Western Sydney University. Deborah is a registered nurse and experienced academic with 30 years of program co-ordination and teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate level, in Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore. Deborah’s research and scholarly interests include ageing and aged care, chronic illness and primary health care. She continues to supervise BN (Honours), Masters of Research and PhD students. Deborah is regularly invited to review domestic and overseas nursing programs given her extensive experience in curriculum development and quality assurance. Professor Hatcher is a member of several local health district research and education committees, a member of the Australian College of Nursing and is a member of the Executive Council of Deans of Nursing and Midwifery.

Tiffany Northall

Tiffany Northall joined Western Sydney University in 2011 and is a lecturer in the School of Nursing and Midwifery. Tiffany has significant teaching experience gained during her employment as a clinical nurse specialist and as a teacher at TAFE and university. Tiffany has worked clinically in acute care since graduating in 1995. Her experience has been gained in a range of fields including palliative care, high dependency, patient flow, medical surgical, emergency and primary health care. Tiffany has completed the Bachelor of Nursing degree, Masters of Nursing Research and Doctorate of Philosophy at Western Sydney University and has also completed a Graduate Certificate in Clinical Education.

Jed Montayre

Jed Montayre is an Associate Professor in the School of Nursing and Director of the Centre of Evidence-based Practice for Healthcare Policy at Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Jed has a strong clinical background in gerontology and medical-surgical nursing. Recently, Jed has been awarded ‘Distinguished Educator in Gerontology Nursing’, an international recognition awarded by the prestigious National Hartford Centre in Gerontological Nursing the US, which builds upon the legacy of The John A. Hartford Foundation, which represents the gold standard of excellence in gerontology. The award recognises Jed’s contribution to teaching and undertaking research in gerontology nursing. Jed has led an international team for projects commissioned and funded by the World Health Organisation, one project aimed to review community-based age-friendly interventions and programs as part of the WHO and UN Decade of Healthy Ageing 2020-2030 initiative. Jed has written and published several research papers on influence of culture to health, transitions, adjustments and acculturation experience of older immigrants into the mainstream societies. Jed is Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Australasian Journal on Ageing.