title: Diversity Conceptual Model for aged care: Person-centred and difference-oriented and connective with a focus on benefit, disadvantage and equity.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This project aimed to develop a Diversity Conceptual Model to support the aged care sector to identify diversity characteristics and associated benefits and disadvantages in order to consider greater equity in policy and practice.
  
  
  METHODS
  A multi-method approach was used to develop the Diversity Conceptual Model using a literature review, organisation-wide consultation using a questionnaire, focus groups and interviews with key stakeholders.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A Diversity Conceptual Model was developed as a visual 'tool', made up of numerous components, with a focus on diversity characteristics that may be creating benefits and disadvantages for a consumer to participate in their health care. Continuous quality improvements and equity are presented as essential overarching components of the Model.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Diversity Conceptual Model has many potential applications for aged care. The author proposes that its wider adoption would increase confidence, skills and knowledge, enabling the aged care sector to influence greater equity in policy and care practice.
authors.affiliation: Royal District Nursing Service Limited, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. jmichael@rdns.com.au.
authors.forename: Jaklina
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Michael
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000375:Aging / Q000208:ethnology; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017144:Focus Groups; D005853:Geriatrics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D018166:Health Care Reform; D000069576:Health Equity / Q000458:organization & administration*; D054625:Healthcare Disparities / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D017146:Models, Organizational; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D018802:Patient-Centered Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011050:Policy Making; D058996:Quality Improvement; D019984:Quality Indicators, Health Care; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: aged care; disadvantage; diversity; equity; policy