Mr Jay Balante1, Associate Professor Diane Van Den Broek2, Professor Kate White1
1Cancer Care Research Unit, The Daffodil Centre, Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Campderdown, Australia, 2Discipline of Work and Organisational Studies, Business School, The University of Sydney, Campderdown, Australia
Biography:
Jay is a nurse academic and researcher with expertise in nursing education and palliative care. His research focuses on the intersection of palliative care and a culturally diverse nursing workforce. Awarded the inaugural Daffodil Centre Postgraduate Research Scholarship, his doctoral research explores how culture informs cancer and end-of-life care.
Abstract:
Background:
As palliative care research grows in scope and global relevance, there is increasing attention to how cultural values shape experiences of illness, caregiving, and dying. Researching sensitive topics such as end-of-life care within culturally diverse contexts presents distinct ethical, emotional, and methodological challenges. Norms around disclosure, trust, language, and death influence participant engagement and the quality of data gathered. This study offers reflections on conducting ethically grounded, culturally informed research.
Aim:
To examine the methodological considerations in conducting end-of-life care research with culturally diverse participants.
Methods:
Drawing on a two-phase, cross-country qualitative design, this study involved internationally educated nurses in Australia and palliative care teams in Malaysia and Australia. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and field engagement, supported by culturally reflective and trauma-informed research practices. The presentation will centre on the iterative and reflexive strategies employed throughout the research process.
Results:
Key enablers included pre-established trust networks, the use of cultural mediators, flexible data collection approaches, and ongoing dialogue with participants about their comfort and consent. Challenges emerged around participant recruitment and cultural sensitivity. Researcher positionality and emotional labour also required careful attention. When conducting inclusive and ethically sound palliative care research across cultures, researchers must employ flexible, culturally attuned, and reflexive strategies that honour participant dignity and navigate complex emotional and interpersonal dynamics.
Conclusion:
This presentation contributes to broader methodological conversations about conducting inclusive, ethically attuned research in palliative and end-of-life care. It highlights the need for flexible, culturally grounded approaches that centre psychological safety, build trust, and respect cultural differences. These insights support the development of globally relevant research frameworks in palliative care.