Escalating Concerns in Paediatric Hospital Care: A Qualitative Study of Involvement, Support and Empowerment of Families From Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds
Keywords:
Clinical deterioration; communication; cultural diversity; family; language; limited English proficiency; migrant; paediatrics; patient safety; refugee
Abstract:
Families frequently recognise early signs of deterioration in their children. In English-centric environments, families from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds face challenges in escalating concerns in hospital because of language barriers, limited health literacy, uncertainty about escalation pathways, and variable staff responsiveness. Although digital approaches may support communication, it remains unclear whether they address the wider organisational conditions required for equitable escalation of care.