Cultural competency in dental education: developing a tool for assessment and inclusion.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the cultural competency content in selected Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) courses and to explore the use of an assessment tool that may be used to standardize the integration of cultural competency in the dental school curriculum. METHODS: A survey was sent to course directors to determine the inclusion of four topics related to cultural competence, the mechanisms of inclusion, and their comfort level in teaching the topics in their courses.  A scan of the same courses was conducted with the use of a tool developed from an Expert Panel's recommendations for knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSA) to be included in curricula for teaching cultural competence. RESULTS: Twenty-one course directors responded.  Fifteen reported they include social determinants of health and twelve include health inequities in their courses. Faculty reported an average of 8.67 comfort level in teaching these topics but there was less comfort level in teaching cultural humility and implicit bias.  Course directors used assignments, case studies, lectures, quizzes, and patient care (clinical courses) to include the topics. The scan of courses showed that the use of the Competencies for General Dentists in course syllabi covered the recommended knowledge, skills, and attitudes for cultural competence. CONCLUSIONS: The rubric was suitable for assessing cultural competency content.  The Competencies for General Dentists in course syllabi will allow the integration of the recommended KSA in dental courses to teach cultural competence.  However, dental faculty may need training in the integration of KSA items in course objectives and content.

Concreción de competencias transversales para lograr competencia intercultural en estudiantes de ciencias de la salud / Concretization of Cross-Sectional Competences for Achieving Intercultural Competence among Health Sciences Students

El proceso formativo de estudiantes de ciencias de la salud se ve desafiado a responder ante una sociedad diversa. Las experiencias, las costumbres, las creencias, la religión y la cultura influyen en las decisiones del paciente ante un proceso de salud/enfermedad, lo que genera incertidumbre en el estudiantado. A nivel internacional, la capacitación en competencia intercultural en salud es requisito de acreditación; pero en Sudamérica no ocurre lo mismo. Lineamientos internacionales han instaurado el desarrollo de competencias transversales para adquirir habilidades que le permitan al individuo desenvolverse en el escenario mundial, lo cual podría constituirse en la base fundamental para adquirir competencia intercultural en salud. Los objetivos de este artículo son identificar cómo los lineamientos para desarrollar competencias transversales tributan al logro de competencia intercultural en salud en relación con cuatro modelos de competencia cultural en salud, y exponer estrategias didácticas que permiten desarrollar ambas competencias durante el proceso formativo del estudiantado de las ciencias de la salud. Se concluye que las competencias transversales permiten adquirir habilidades, valores y competencias que facilitarían lograr las características que los diferentes modelos de competencia cultural en salud indican. Diversas metodologías activas resultan apropiadas para concretar el desarrollo de ambas competencias; no obstante, deben acompañarse de debriefing para adquirir pensamiento crítico y reflexividad en el estudiantado, además de que este proceso no se realice bajo patrones etnocentristas. Por lo tanto, es necesario indagar cómo se está desarrollando la reflexividad en el proceso formativo del estudiantado de ciencias de la salud(AU)

The training process of health sciences students is challenged to respond to a diverse society. Experiences, customs, beliefs, religion and culture influence the patient's decisions in the face of a health/disease process, which causes uncertainty among students. Internationally, training in intercultural competence in health is a requirement for accreditation, but this is not the case in South America. International guidelines have established the development of cross-sectional competences for acquiring skills that allow the individual to practice an activity in the global scenario, which could become the fundamental basis for acquiring intercultural competence in health. The objectives of this article are to identify how the guidelines to develop cross-sectional competences contribute to the achievement of intercultural competence in health in relation to four models of cultural competence in health, as well as to expose didactic strategies that allow to develop both competences during the training process of health sciences students. It is concluded that cross-sectional competences allow to acquire skills, values and competences that would facilitate the achievement of the characteristics indicated by the different models of cultural competence in health. Different active methodologies are appropriate to concretize the development of both competences; however, they should be accompanied by debriefing for the students to acquire critical thinking and reflexivity, while this process should not be carried out under ethnocentric patterns. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate how that reflexivity is being developed in the training process of health sciences students(AU)

English Fluency Is Not Enough: My Journey to Cultural Competency.

This reflection article shares insight from an immigrant who initially struggled with cultural differences between South Korea and the USA. Through his personal experiences and anecdotes from cross-cultural training, the author describes the importance of cultural competency to effectively communicate and treat diverse patient populations in the USA. Encouraging cultural discussions to recognize obvious and subtle cultural differences may help providers become better advocates for patients.

Developing Standards for Cultural Competency Training for Health Care Providers to Care for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual Persons: Consensus Recommendations from a National Panel.

Purpose: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and/or asexual and other sexual and gender diverse persons (LGBTQIA+ or SGD persons) experience barriers to equitable health care. The purpose of this article is to describe a collaborative process that resulted in core cultural competency recommendations addressing training for those who provide health care and/or social services to LGBTQIA+ patients. Methods: In 2018 and 2019, Whitman-Walker Health, a Federally Qualified Community Health Center in Washington, DC, and the National LGBT Cancer Network purposively selected leaders of community clinics and community-based organizations, cultural competency trainers, and clinicians and researchers with expertise in SGD health with diverse lived experiences to develop consensus-based cultural competency recommendations. Recommendations were developed through a synthesis of peer-reviewed studies, publicly accessible curricula, and evaluations of SGD cultural competency trainings; two in-person convenings; and iterative feedback from diverse stakeholders. Results: Five anchoring recommendations emerged: (1) know your audience; (2) develop and fine-tune the curriculum; (3) employ both adult and transformational learning theories; (4) choose multiple effective trainers; and (5) evaluate impact of training. These recommendations promote an ongoing process of individual and organizational improvement and a stance of humility rather than competence to be mastered. Conclusion: By setting core cultural competency standards for all persons involved in health care and social services, these recommendations complement existing clinical competency recommendations to advance SGD health equity.

Assessing the effectiveness of a LGBT cultural competency training for oncologists: study protocol for a randomized pragmatic trial.

BACKGROUND: LGBT patients may have unique psychosocial cancer care needs, and healthcare providers should have knowledge and understanding of these unique needs to effectively address disparities through the delivery of personalized healthcare. As such, our group developed and piloted a web-based LGBT cultural competency training designed specifically for oncologists called the Curriculum for Oncologists on LGBT populations to Optimize Relevance and Skills (COLORS). We designed a randomized pragmatic trial for oncologists to compare the effectiveness of the COLORS training versus a general online LGBT cultural competency training in improving LGBT-related knowledge, attitudes, and clinical practices. METHODS/DESIGN: Study procedures include an 8-step approach for recruitment, randomization, retention, and completion of the interventions. Oncologists of any subspecialty who are currently practicing physicians will be identified from the American Medical Association Masterfile. Approximately 5000 oncologists will be sent a FedEx envelope with an invitation letter and study timeline. Electronic consent is obtained using a secure REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture) portal hosted at the Moffitt Cancer Center (Tampa, FL) where the oncologists will complete the eligibility questionnaire, pre-training assessments, and then will be randomized to complete the COLORS training or an online general healthcare training offered by the National LGBT Health Education Center. Effectiveness of both trainings will be assessed utilizing self-reported measures of LGBT-related knowledge, attitudes, and affirming clinical practices. The measures will be collected before and directly after training completion, as well as 3-month post-training completion. The primary outcomes are changes in knowledge, attitudes, and practice behaviors regarding LGBT cancer patients from pre-test to post-test training in the COLORS training vs. the comparison training. DISCUSSION: The overarching premise of this trial is to assess the effectiveness of the COLORS cultural competency training program. If successful, among oncologists who completed the COLORS training should yield statistically significantly improvements in knowledge, attitudes, and affirming practice.

Learning Outcomes of Diverse Oncology Professionals After the TEAM Cultural Competency Training.

Racial, ethnic, sexual, and gender minorities are more likely to report challenges with oncology provider communication and quality of care. The Together-Equitable-Accessible-Meaningful (TEAM) training was developed to improve health equity across cancer care organizations by guiding teams of interprofessional learners through planning and implementation of quality improvements to advance equitable, accessible, and patient-centered cancer care. This study compared changes to self-reported cultural competence as measured by the Cultural Competency Assessment (CCA); Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Development of Clinical Skills Scale (LGBT-DOCSS); and Interprofessional Socialization and Valuing Scale (ISVS). The primary aim of the study was to assess changes to self-reported cultural competence; the secondary aim was to examine changes to interprofessional valuation from baseline to post-intervention. Results indicated statistically significant improvements in self-reported Cultural Competency Behaviors (p = .055), a subscale of the CCA, and Attitudinal Awareness toward sexual and gender minorities (p = .046), a subscale of the LGBT-DOCSS, using p < .10 as statistically significant. These subscale results drove statistically significant improvements for their respective composite scales. No other statistically significant results were found. This study suggests that cultural competency training among interprofessional oncology health care professionals can be effective. Given the growing diversity within the USA, additional opportunities for cultural competency training are needed.

Impact of an LGBTQ Cultural Competence Training Program for Providers on Knowledge, Attitudes, Self-Efficacy, and Intensions.

This paper describes the development and implementation of a robust lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) cultural competence curriculum for training health and human service providers across New York State. Between 2013-2018, The National LGBT Cancer Network developed and published Best Practices in Creating and Delivering LGBTQ Cultural Competency Trainings for Health and Social Service Agencies and designed a training curriculum. They also conducted Train the Trainer sessions, and evaluated pre- and post- curriculum knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy and intentions of individuals who attended educational sessions conducted by the certified trainers. Most respondents improved from pretest to posttest, with significant improvements in knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy and intentions. An increase in self-efficacy was significantly associated with pre- to posttest improvement in respondent intention. Future research should focus on what components specifically bolster self-efficacy and intention. Increasing the number of health and human service providers who are trained to address the needs of this population is an important step toward providing culturally competent care.

Competência cultural no cuidado de Enfermagem à pessoa com deficiência: notas sobre a formação do enfermeiro / Cultural competence in nursing care for disabled people: notes on nursing education / Competencia cultural en el cuidado de enfermería de la persona con discapacidad: notas sobre la formación del enfermero

O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar a formulação de competência cultural para o cuidado de Enfermagem à pessoa com deficiência. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo e documental realizado por meio da análise de projetos pedagógicos de cursos de graduação em Enfermagem. Os dados foram analisados no software Interface de R pour les Analyses Multidimensionnelles de Textes et de Questionnairese, associado ao referencial teórico Transcultural Interprofessional Practice. A classificação hierárquica descendente originou duas classes, abordando o desenvolvimento da competência cultural para o cuidado de enfermagem individual e coletivo da pessoa com deficiência por meio de evidências científicas nos diferentes ciclos de vida e níveis de atenção, com ênfase na reabilitação e comunicação no processo saúde-doença. A formulação da competência cultural foi abordada de modo amplo e inespecífico, requerendo inclusão nos currículos de disciplinas que abordem a temática.(AU)

This study analyzed the development of cultural competence in nursing care for disabled people. We conducted a descriptive documentary study involving the analysis of education plans for undergraduate degree courses in nursing. The data were analyzed using the software Interface de R pour les Analyses Multidimensionnelles de Textes et de Questionnaire Transcultural in Interprofessional Practice in conjunction with the theoretical frame of reference. The descending hierarchical classification gave rise to two categories: the development of cultural competence in individual and collective nursing care for disabled people using scientific evidence for different life cycles; and levels of care, with emphasis on rehabilitation and communication in the health-disease process. The development of cultural competence was approached in a broad and unspecific manner and should be included in the curriculums of courses that address the topic.(AU)

Analizar la formulación de competencia cultural para el cuidado de enfermería de la persona con discapacidad. Estudio descriptivo, documental realizado por medio del análisis de proyectos pedagógicos de cursos de graduación en enfermería. Datos analizados en el software Interface de R pour les Analyses Multidimensionnelles de Textes et de Questionnaires y asociado a la referencia teórica Transcultural Interprofessional Practice. La clasificación jerárquica descendente originó dos clases abordando el desarrollo de competencia cultural para el cuidado de enfermería individual y colectivo de la persona con discapacidad por medio de evidencias científicas en los diferentes ciclos de vida y niveles de atención con énfasis en la rehabilitación y comunicación en el proceso salud-enfermedad. La formulación de competencia cultural se abordó de modo amplio e inespecífico, requiriendo inclusión en los currículos de asignaturas que aborden la temática.(AU)

From Listening to Action: Academic Surgical Departmental Response to Social Injustice Through Curricular Development.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the development and evaluation of a structured department wide cultural competency curriculum. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Despite numerous organizational policies and statements, social injustice and bias still exist. Our department committed to assist individuals of the entire department to develop foundational knowledge and skills to combat implicit bias and systemic racism through the creation of a cultural competency curriculum. The purpose of this manuscript is to detail our curriculum and the evaluation of its effectiveness. METHODS: Using a well-established curriculum development framework, a cultural competency curriculum was developed focusing on knowledge, skills and attitudes at the individual level, for all members of the department. The curriculum was implemented through 6-hour-long sessions over a 9-week period. Effectiveness was assessed through a post curriculum survey. RESULTS: Twenty percent of the respondents had experienced bias based on race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation in the past 12 months, whereas 30% had experienced bias based on sex. Seventy-one percent independently explored related topics. The curriculum was overall well received and generally achieved the goals and objectives. CONCLUSION: Using a standard curriculum development framework, an effective department-wide cultural competency curriculum can be developed and implemented.

Importancia de la perspectiva afectiva e intercultural en la comunicación profesional en tiempos de crisis / The importance of the affective and intercultural perspective of communication in times of crisis

Introducción: La comunicación de los profesionales y demás personas vinculadas a la salud con los ciudadanos es de vital importancia, particularmente en tiempos de crisis sanitarias y/o epidemiológicas, para desarrollar con efectividad las actividades de promoción y prevención de salud, así como para elevar la percepción de riesgo. Objetivo: Explicar la importancia de las perspectivas afectiva e intercultural en la comunicación de los profesionales de la salud ante situaciones de contingencia epidemiológica. Materiales y Métodos: Se utilizaron fundamentalmente el estudio documental a partir del análisis de la literatura científica sobre el tema y otros procedimientos de la investigación cualitativa como las narraciones de vivencias y la reflexión introspectiva de los autores. Desarrollo: Se exploran conceptos básicos relacionados con la comunicación en salud según se plantea en documentos de la Organización Mundial de la Salud y la literatura científica sobre el tema. También se caracteriza la comunicación afectiva e intercultural, en lengua materna y/o extranjera, que pondera el acompañamiento al ser humano en el proceso de información durante crisis sanitarias para desempeñarse de forma más efectiva en función de la actividad clínica, la promoción y la prevención de salud en el país o en contextos internacionales. Conclusiones: Se evidencia la necesidad de la comunicación afectiva, que brinde una información veraz clara, acompañada de solidaridad, optimismo y fe en la recuperación, así como de una sensibilidad intercultural que favorezca la comprensión de determinadas actitudes y prácticas no comunes y permita un mejor desempeño profesional(AU)

Introduction: The communication among professionals and those related to healthcare with the population is vital, especially during sanitary and epidemiological crises, aimed to develop effectively health promotion and prevention activities and help to increase the people´s risk perception. Objective: To explain the importance of the affective and intercultural perspective of the health professionals' communication when facing epidemiological contingency or hazard situations. Materials and methods: Literature review about the topic and other qualitative procedures such as life stories and the authors´ introspective reflection. Development: Basic concepts related to communication in the health field were explored as stated in the World Health Organization documents and the scientific literature about the topic. Besides, the authors explored the affective and intercultural communication issue, either in the mother tongue and in a foreign language which highly praise the accompaniment of the human being in the information process during health crises to lead them to behave effectively to achieve the goals of the clinical activity and the health promotion and prevention measures in the country or overseas. Conclusions: The evidence for the need of affective communication is shown. This kind of communication must be true and clear, showing principles such as solidarity, and traits of optimism and faith in the recovery and there should also be some intercultural awareness to favor the understanding of uncommon attitudes and practices for a better professional performance when working overseas(AU)

Efficacy of LGBTQI cultural competency training for oncology social workers.

PURPOSE: Oncology social workers rarely receive training on the health care needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI) cancer patients. This study examined the efficacy of an intensive workshop that aimed to increase the knowledge, confidence, and clinical preparedness of social workers supporting LGBTQI cancer patients. METHODS: A workshop consisting of didactic and interactive content was provided to an opt-in sample of social workers (n = 26). Demographic questions, past exposure to LGBTQI patients and training, and self-reported behaviors were measured at baseline. Paired t-tests compared changes in confidence in learning objectives as well as self-reported knowledge, attitudinal awareness, and clinical preparedness based on the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender development of clinical skills scale. RESULTS: Results showed statistically significant changes in two of three learning objectives (p = 0.001) and in two subscales of the LGBT-DOCSS (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Oncology social workers can benefit from opportunities for learning specific to LGBTQI health.

Allyship in Surgical Residents: Evidence for LGBTQ Competency Training in Surgical Education.

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown poorer health outcomes for people who identify as sexual and/or gender minority (LGBTQ+) compared to heterosexual peers. Our goal was to establish baseline levels of LGBTQ Ally Identity Measure (AIM) scores: (1) Knowledge and Skills, (2) Openness and Support, and (3) Awareness of Oppression of the LGBTQ+ in surgical trainees, and implement a pilot training in LGBTQ + cultural competency. MATERIALS AND METHODS: General surgery residents from a single academic medical center participated in a 2-h educational training developed from the existing Health Care Safe Zone training at our institution. Utilizing the previously validated LGBTQ Ally Identity Measure (AIM), residents responded to 19 items on Likert-type scales from 1 to 5 pretraining and 6 wk posttraining. The residents' perceptions of the utility of the training were also assessed. Data were analyzed by MANOVA, repeated measures MANOVA, and subsequent univariate analysis. RESULTS: 27 residents responded to the pretraining survey (52%), 22 residents participated in the training, and 10 responded at 6 wk posttraining (19%). The average baseline scores were Knowledge and Skills 19.38 ± 4.64, Openness and Support 25.96 ± 4.31, and Awareness of Oppression 17.15 ± 2.20. Participants who identified as women scored 4.46 (95% CI 0.77-8.15) points higher in Openness and Support compared to males. Of those respondents who completed pretraining and posttraining surveys (n = 10), training had a significant effect on AIM scores with an improvement in Knowledge and Skills (P = 0.024) and Openness and Support (P = 0.042). Residents found the training relevant to surgery patient care (71%), increased their competency in LGBTQ + patient care (86%), and all participants indicated they were better LGBTQ allies following the training. CONCLUSIONS: Assessing LGBTQ + allyship in surgical residents, we found that training improved AIM scores over time with significant improvement in the Knowledge and Skills, and Openness and Support scales, suggesting a viable and valuable curriculum focused on sexual and gender identity-related competencies within the graduate medical education for surgical trainees.

A comparison of provider perspectives on cultural competency training: A mixed methods study.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to identify differences in training among colorectal cancer physicians and advanced practice providers with high and low cultural competency METHODS: Using explanatory sequential mixed methods, we surveyed providers and dichotomized into high and low cultural competency (CC) groups, conducted qualitative interviews, and analyzed verbatim transcripts using deductive and inductive codes to compared findings across groups using a joint display. RESULTS: Fifty-four of 92 providers (59%) responded; 10 respondents from each group (20/36 invited) completed semi-structured interviews about previous CC trainings. Low CC providers' training included explanations of cultural differences that, in practice, improved awareness and utilization of communication tools, but they also desired decision-making tools and cultural exposure. High CC providers' training included action-oriented toolkits. In practice, they admitted failures, improved communication, and attributed patient behaviors to external factors. High CC providers desired performance evaluations. CONCLUSIONS: Behaviorally-oriented CC training offered a robust foundation for culturally competent care.

An Assessment of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health Competencies Among Bachelors-Prepared Registered Nurses in Graduate-Level Study.

PURPOSE: To assess graduate nursing students' lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT)-specific health competencies. METHOD: Using a cross-sectional design, a 13-item multiple response survey, derived from The Joint Commission guidelines and LGBT health competencies proposed by the Association of American Medical Colleges, was administered online to 116 registered nurses enrolled in graduate study. Survey items assessed nurses' knowledge of LGBT health, professionalism, provision of patient care, communication skills, care environment, gaps in learning, and systems-based practice. Descriptive analyses were used to summarize frequencies and proportions of study variables. RESULTS: Respondent nurses' knowledge about health, prevalent conditions, and social factors that influence LGBT health was somewhat limited. Respondents did not rate their knowledge about LGBT health high (µ = 3.11 [1.1], median = 3) and did not feel qualified to educate other colleagues about LGBT health issues (µ = 2.43 [1.26], median = 2). But 58% (n = 65) indicated that they felt comfortable performing prostate exams on transgender female patients (born with male genitalia); 62% (n = 70) felt comfortable doing pap smears for transgender male patients (born with female genitalia). Sixty nurses (52%) stated that they would advocate reforms within existing health care institutions to improve the care of LGBT patients. Cultural competency training was offered in some health care settings and environmental indications of inclusivity were inconsistent. CONCLUSIONS: LGBT health competence among graduate nursing students was limited. There is a need to reevaluate LGBT health-related content in nursing curricula as well as robust assessment of competence in LGBT health.

La actuación profesional de los docentes universitarios y su preparación para la educación intercultural / Professional action of university teachers and preparation for intercultural education

RESUMEN Fundamento: La práctica de la educación intercultural en Cuba es un campo disciplinar que demanda mayor preparación en el modo de actuación profesional de los docentes universitarios. Objetivo: Construir un programa de preparación, centrado en la solución de conflictos, para perfeccionar el modo de actuación profesional de los docentes universitarios para la educación intercultural. Metodología: Se realizó una investigación en la Universidad de Sancti Spíritus José Martí Pérez, en la que se utilizó la metodología cualitativa basada en el estudio de caso del modo de actuación profesional de los docentes para la educación intercultural. Resultados: El diagnóstico pedagógico integral no se tuvo en cuenta para la identificación y solución de los conflictos interculturales, dependiendo del estatus de igualdad grupal alcanzado. La preparación en educación intercultural, centrada en la solución de conflictos, demostró la efectividad de trabajar en correspondencia al sistema de acciones propias de la dirección del proceso pedagógico. Conclusiones: El programa de preparación permitió reconocer la validez de la experiencia pedagógica practicada, así como la pertinencia de otras perspectivas foráneas compatibles y el manejo conceptual de los principios y competencias para la educación intercultural.

ABSTRACT Background: The practice of intercultural education in Cuba is a disciplinary field that requires greater preparation in the professional way of acting of university teachers. Objective: To build a preparation program, focused on conflicts resolution, to improve the professional performance of university teachers for intercultural education. Methodology: An investigation was carried out at the University of Sancti Spíritus José Martí Pérez, using the qualitative methodology based on the case study of the professional performance of teachers for intercultural education. Results: The comprehensive pedagogical diagnosis was not taken into account for the identification and solution of intercultural conflicts, depending on the group equality status achieved. The preparation in intercultural education, focused on conflict resolution, demonstrated the effectiveness of working in correspondence with the system of actions proper to the direction of the pedagogical process. Conclusions: The preparation program allowed to recognize the validity of the pedagogical experience practiced, as well as the relevance of other compatible foreign perspectives and the conceptual handling of the principles and competences for intercultural education.

The influence of the oncology-focused transgender-simulated patient simulation on nursing students' cultural competence development.

BACKGROUND: Disparities experienced by transgender patients, especially in cancer care, leads to poorer outcomes and overall health. Simulation, using transgender simulated patients (SPs) with a focus on cancer care can be an effective way to foster cultural competence nursing education. METHODS: Guided by the National League for Nursing (NLN)/Jeffries Simulation Theory and Cultural Competence and Confidence Model, this grant funded pretest (n = 48) and posttest (n = 41) comparison group, quasi-experimental study aimed to understand changes in students' transcultural self-efficacy (TSE) following the transgender-simulated patient simulation (TSPS) focusing on an oncological emergency management. Developed by following recommended guidelines and standards, the TSPS had content validity review and pilot testing. It aimed to improve students' knowledge, skills, and attitudes with regard to providing culturally congruent nursing care. The statistical methods included paired sample t-tests, independent t-tests, and correlation analyses. RESULTS: Students who participated in the TSPS intervention had significantly higher posttest TSE scores (P < .05). DISCUSSION: SP methodology can be an effective way to foster cultural congruence in nursing care. The findings contribute to the importance of continuous efforts for the inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) topic in nursing education to enhance culturally congruent care.

Cultural Competency Training and Evaluation Methods Across Dietetics Education: A Narrative Review.

Developing cultural competence among credentialed nutrition and dietetics practitioners is critical to move toward eliminating disparities in health care. Despite emphasis put forth on culturally competent care by credentialed nutrition and dietetics practitioners, the types, methods, and outcomes of cultural competency training are lacking or inconsistent. In this narrative review, we evaluated studies detailing cultural competency training for content, modes of delivery, and learner outcomes. Main inclusion criteria were students in dietetics or credentialed nutrition and dietetics practitioners engaging in an educational intervention. Exclusion criteria were studies published before 2000 and not published in the English language. Ten studies were reviewed from four health science databases. Our aims were to quantify the literature on cultural competence training in dietetics education and describe the interventions to identify gaps within the field; thus, a quality assessment tool was not utilized. Data were extracted on learner type, number of participants, curriculum content, intervention type, learning outcomes, and outcome evaluation tool. Most studies employed interprofessional education (n=7) and/or service learning (n=6) as interventions types. Quantitative evaluation of learners in the studies reviewed indicated increased knowledge and skill (statistically significant; n=2), whereas qualitative evaluation of learners indicated themes, including curriculum satisfaction, gains in competence, and comfort working with diverse people. Methods of evaluation and delivery were inconsistent, making it difficult to draw larger conclusions about cultural competency training in dietetics. Cultural competence creates opportunities for growth and development of health professionals to serve diverse communities and work environments; future work should include standardizing evaluations of training, specifically to include both qualitative and quantitative methods.

Incorporating an Equity Agenda into Health Professions Education and Training to Build a More Representative Workforce.

Efforts to achieve health equity goals in the United States require the recruitment, retention, and graduation of an increasingly diverse student body of aspiring health professionals. Improving access to health care providers who are culturally congruent with the populations served is a related ethical priority that has the potential to improve the health inequities faced by communities of color and others in the United States. Midwifery education program administrators and faculty have responded to this need by acknowledging that creation of a more representative midwifery workforce starts with midwifery education. The Equity Agenda Guideline, related conceptual model, and website resources were developed for the purpose of supporting health professions educators and institutions who recognize a need for change and are seeking answers about how to train and graduate more health care providers from communities that are currently underrepresented. Using a systems approach to outline the transformative multilevel changes required, these resources offer a roadmap for how to address the underlying problems of racism and other differentisms that have limited the growth and diversification of the health and helping professions. This article addresses how health education programs interested in making an impact on this complex and persistent problem can adopt or adapt the Equity Agenda Guideline, originally developed for midwifery education programs in the United States.