My research examines how older people are portrayed in popular discourse, particularly television, radio and online / printed media, and whether this cultural representation extends any influence on the attitudes and behaviours of health care staff. The study uses a mixed methods approach incorporating a quantitative media consumption survey and qualitative semi-structured interviews with NHS and social care staff, as well as discourse analysis of cultural texts that health care staff commonly engage with. It is expected that the study will provide critical insight into the social and cultural influences that may explain the delivery of quality care or the lack of dignified care in the health sector, as well as assessing the potential to accommodate messages from the media discourse of older people into more effective dignity training or campaigns.

Selected Recent Publications

• Hillman A., Tadd W., Calnan S., Calnan M., Bayer A. and Read S., Risk, governance and the experience of care. 2013, Sociology of Health and Illness [In press]
• Tadd W, Hillman S , Calnan S, Calnan M, Bayer A and Read S., From right place – wrong person, to right place – right person: dignified care for older people. 2012 HSRN/SDO supplement of the Journal of Health Services and Research Policy [In press]
• Calnan,M, Tadd, W, Calnan, S, Hillman, A, Bayer A and Read S ‘I often worry about the older person being in that system because often they – they’ve got more needs, are more vulnerable’: Providing dignified care for older people in acute hospitals Ageing & Society. [Accepted for publication]
• Tadd, W; Hillman, A; Calnan, S; Calnan, M; Bayer, A; Read, S. Right place – wrong person: dignity in the acute care of older people. Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, 2011; 12(1): 33- 43