Facilitating Participation of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities in Co‐Designing Dementia Support: A Meta‐Synthesis

Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities often encounter persistent barriers to participation in healthcare initiatives, particularly in the context of dementia care. In response, researchers have increasingly used co‐design methods to more effectively involve CALD participants in developing dementia support resources. This meta‐synthesis examines how researchers have engaged people from CALD communities in co‐design, focusing on the approaches used to support equitable and meaningful participation. Twelve studies were identified and analysed using an established six‐step meta‐synthesis approach. Research teams in the reviewed studies employed a range of strategies to engage CALD participants in co‐designing dementia support. These included building trust and enhancing engagement through partnerships with community leaders and ethnic organisations; improving communication via translation, interpretation and bilingual staff; and supporting inclusive, informed participation through flexible participation options and culturally tailored dementia content. The approaches also contributed to reducing barriers to inclusion. However, key gaps remain in the reviewed literature—most notably, no studies reported providing cultural safety training for researchers, and participants with advanced dementia or verbal communication difficulties were largely underrepresented. The findings highlight a need to strengthen inclusive practices in future co‐design, including equipping research personnel with cultural safety knowledge and skills, and using non‐verbal and visual methods to advance sustainable, culturally responsive dementia care for CALD populations.