Over the past few months, we have been working behind the scenes on the content of various modules for the DI.S.C.O.P.M.B. training. Diverse life stories and experiences related to diversity-sensitive care were captured through interviews and storytelling. We also utilized various tools inspired by design-based research to determine which topics should be addressed in the training. One example is empathy maps, a powerful tool that synthesizes information about a user group by visualizing what they say, do, see, and hear (Cairns et al., 2021). The DISCOPMB Consortium created empathy maps for healthcare providers, students and older individuals with a migration background and their families. Based on the gathered information, we observed similar concerns: There were feelings of insecurity, concerns about prejudice and exclusion, questions on how to overcome communication barriers, but also shared hopes of receiving and providing high-quality care and feeling appreciated.
Taking all the input into account, DISCOPMB’ partners decided to focus the training on the following topics: migration trends and the experiences of older individuals and their families with long-term care, concepts of diversity and person-centered care, awareness of stereotypes and prejudices, and diverse-sensitive competences with a focus on social and communication skills. We are now finalizing the content and will start the piloting of the training in September.
“On the Scene“: The DISCOPMB project was presented at various forums to a wide audience. Teatime@bib is an initiative by HOGENT, University of applied sciences and Arts, Belgian project partner, where themed lectures on a specific topic take place at the local HOGENT library. In May 2023, the topic was “All Different, about learning and living in a diverse society.” The audience consisted of a mix of educators, students and interested individuals from both within and outside HOGENT. The sessions were also filmed and a podcast was recorded, which you can listen here (in Dutch): https://www.hogent.be/teatime/allemaal-anders-deel-1/.
On the European level, the project was presented at the Annual General Meeting of Eurocarers in Berlin. Eurocarers brings together carers’ organizations, universities, and research institutes, creating a unique combination that enables evidence-based advocacy. The European event was valuable in informing an audience from more than 20 countries about our work and sharing information.