Challenges and opportunities for the multicultural aged care workforce: A systematic review and meta-synthesis

To identify (a) the challenges for multicultural aged care teams; (b) the opportunities to facilitate teamwork; and (c) the strategies to assist team members in a multicultural work environment.

High-income countries have an increasingly culturally diverse aged care workforce. Fostering teamwork in such an environment is challenging.

This systematic review of qualitative studies followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) meta-aggregation approach. Six databases were searched. Retrieved articles were screened by two reviewers. This review identified 111 findings that were aggregated into 15 categories and five themes.

Aged care workers' awareness of cultural diversity varies, and their knowledge of each other's cultural background is limited. However, cultural skills are demonstrated, contributing to teamwork. Their experience in cross-cultural encounters is broad, and enhanced team cohesion is desired.

The cultural competence of the aged care workforce shapes team building, peer support opportunities and positive cross-cultural experiences.

Recommendations are provided for the adaptation of aged care workers to culturally diverse teams, fostering teamwork to enhance care outcomes for clients. Interventions for improvements in cross-cultural leadership and management, and staff experience of cross-cultural encounters are much needed.