'Tell someone who cares': Participation action research on workplace engagement of caregivers in aged residential care, NZ. (30th October 2020) - Prentice, Jenny
Abstract: Objective: To use participatory action research (PAR) to understand workplace engagement of caregivers in aged residential care (ARC) in New Zealand. Methods: A PAR study was conducted in a 40‐bed ARC facility providing rest home‐ and hospital‐level care in rural New Zealand. The four‐step study included an advisory group of caregivers (N = 6) who co‐designed the process. Data were collected via verbatim transcripts of four advisory group meetings, five interviews with staff and field notes over a period of six months. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: A model was developed to describe factors that encouraged caregivers' engagement in their work. Caregivers were more engaged in their workplace when the influencers of 'Communication', 'Contributing to the workplace' and 'Caring for oneself' were present and when they experienced 'feeling valued', 'being heard' and 'being listened to'. Conclusion: Factors influencing positive changes in workplace engagement were identified that could be considered when implementing organisational change or service development in other ARC facilities. These factors could potentially increase productivity and quality of care at little cost, as well as improve workplace satisfaction.