Research from Appalachian State University marketing professors Ilgım Dara Benoit and Jeffrey Foreman has been recently published in the International Journal of Healthcare Management.
Their article, Senior sexual and gender minorities’ perception of healthcare services: A phenomenological approach, has been published in Volume 14 Issue 4 or may be viewed online at tandfonline.com.
The abstract indicates:
The purpose of this research is to explore the sexual and gender minority seniors’ experience and perception of healthcare services. A phenomenological focus group study was conducted by interviewing members of a local LGBT seniors’ organization in the Northeastern USA. The results of the exploratory research study are threefold. First, the participants were not particularly concerned about the everyday interaction with their healthcare providers, finding their gender and sexuality irrelevant to their daily healthcare visits. Second, they were worried about their financial stability and future on account of covering healthcare costs. This is partly because they have less income and family support compared to the general population. Third, the most important shared concern was whether the long-term healthcare facilities, such as nursing homes, would be culturally competent. The findings of current research also highlight that participants were not aware of any particular facility that is inclusive of all gender and sexual identities. In conclusion, long-term healthcare facilities (e.g. nursing homes, assisted-living facilities) should invest in the inclusiveness training of their employees. Also, healthcare facilities could benefit from emphasizing the inclusiveness of their facility in their communications to this profile. Theoretical and managerial implications, and future research opportunities are also discussed.
About Faculty Research in the Walker College of Business
Walker College of Business faculty produce and disseminate extensive research through both academic and professional communities. In the last five years, faculty members have published approximately 400 peer-reviewed academic journal articles, 130 conference proceedings and made more than 400 conference and professional presentations in 170 different venues. In total, the faculty has produced more than 700 individual intellectual contributions in basic discovery research, more than 400 contributions in applied or integrative research and 240 contributions in teaching and learning research. For more information, visit business.appstate.edu/faculty/research.
About Inclusive Excellence in the Walker College of Business
The Walker College of Business is committed to promoting an inclusive environment for all Appalachian business faculty, staff and students to enhance their cross-cultural and community leadership and engagement. We foster a culture that values diversity and we intentionally include people and perspectives from diverse cultures, worldviews, backgrounds, traditions and ways of life. We know that diversity takes many forms, including, but not limited to, diversity of Age, (Dis)ability, Cultural Background, Educational Background, Gender Expression, Gender Identity, Geographical Region, National Origin, Neurodiversity, Race and Ethnicity, Religion, Sexual Orientation/Sexuality, Socioeconomic Status/Social Class and Veteran Status. We believe organizations that value people from a multitude of backgrounds have a competitive advantage in global industry and that business can empower change on a grand scale when guided by just, inclusive and equitable principles. We aspire to provide a welcoming and empowering home for every business student, faculty and staff member, where all 1) value diverse perspectives, 2) acknowledge societal injustices toward marginalized groups, 3) recognize and overcome our own biases and 4) use our talents and skills to create a more inclusive and just society. Learn more at business.appstate.edu/diversity.
Marketing professors explore gender and cultural competence in nursing homes
Benoit and Foreman