Culturally responsive surgical care for older people and family carers: a dyadic analysis

The aim of this article is to explore the perspectives and experiences of ethnically diverse older patients and family carers when undergoing a surgical procedure. Exploratory qualitative research design. Semi-structured interviews with six patient-carer dyads and three individuals, totaling 15 participants. Data were analyzed using dyadic analysis. Three themes were identified: age-based considerations, culturally based considerations, and dyad relationship dynamics. Family carers frequently acted as translators, advocates, and emotional support while navigating the complexities of healthcare systems. Cultural and linguistic concordance between staff and dyads was crucial to building trust and ensuring effective communication. Gaps in interpreter services and culturally responsive care posed significant challenges. A multi-faceted approach to optimize care is needed. Combining clinician-led assessments with patient-led discussions fosters collaborative decision-making. Cultural and linguistic concordance between clinicians and patients, or effectively using family carers and in-person professional interpreters when concordance is not feasible, is crucial for culturally responsive care. Overall, the integration of patient- and family-centered care within culturally responsive care is proposed as a critical strategy toward equitable health outcomes.