Cultural Competence Training

 Professional cultural competence training plays an important role in preventing healthcare professionals from participating cultural insensitivity even if it is unintentionally. 

Training Approaches

1. Knowledge-based- entails specific information like definitions, concepts, and details about the health-seeking behaviors of other cultures. 

2. Attitude-based- training approaches that involves awareness of certain attitudes, values, and beliefs of various cultures and perspectives. 

3. Skill-building- training to develop skill sets that prepare professionals to communicate with those who do not speak English, identify an interpreter when needed, and make sure patients feel valued in terms of culture-related discussion. 

    Important Components

    For training to be successful and taken seriously, the organization's leadership must also be invested in participating in the training themselves. Training packets with a glossary of important terminology and other important information relevant to the training should be provided. Another useful tool in cultural competence training is case studies. This puts the definitions and concepts into more real-world applications. If there is a particular minority group that is highly represented in the population served, they should be focused on more. Trainees should be regularly evaluated after sessions. The effectiveness of training can also be assessed with customer satisfaction surveys. 

Sources: Rose, P. R. (2013). Cultural competency for the Health Professional. Jones & Bartlett Learning.