The role of community leaders and other information intermediaries in enhancing health care in culturally diverse communities: insights from the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT

Background: Community and religious leaders, as well as other natural leaders, from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds have been posited as a gateway into communities, acting as information intermediaries to enable or broker public health messages about COVID-19. However, there is currently limited understanding of the capacity, role, reach, and support needs of these leaders in fulfilling this function. Aim(s) To understand the role and impact of information intermediaries in promoting and supporting COVID-19 public health communication and engagement activities in culturally diverse communities, based on the perceptions of those working in services and other social support roles. Method(s) Forty-six semi-structured telephone interviews were undertaken with key stakeholders who played an active role in the delivery of services and other social support to culturally diverse communities in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thematic analysis was undertaken using the constant comparative approach. Finding(s) Four key themes emerged related to the role of information intermediaries during the interviews (1) Ideas around the role they fulfil in 'bridging the gap' and supporting the delivery of pandemic related information into communities;(2) Participants suggested that there had been a failure by Australian Commonwealth Government agencies to recognise the role these information intermediaries play within their communities early in the pandemic, as well as a failure to provide sufficient resources and support;(3) Concerns were raised that information may be inappropriately interpreted or translated by the community information intermediaries or potentially blocked, if the message does not align with the broker's own personal beliefs;and (4) Concerns were raised about the potential for burn-out amongst information intermediaries. Implications Community leaders and other information intermediaries play a critical role in preparing and responding to pandemics and other disasters. There needs to be a recognition of these roles formally in pandemic community service planning, and resources are required to enhance and sustain their involvement.