In today's multicultural society health care providers need to be culturally competent. Enhanced efforts such as the delivery of appropriate care will be required to eliminate racial and ethnic disparities in health. This includes preparing a culturally competent health profession workforce. One of the goals of the National Health Service Corp (NHSC) is to increase access to culturally competent primary care clinicians to underserved communities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the implementation of a NHSC program in the Midwest. The program goals included the development of culturally competent primary care providers and to increase health providers understanding of how life situations, such as poverty, may alter one's ability to make health choices or follow prescribed treatment. Evaluation methods included a pre and post survey of student health professionals assigned to work in an underserved or rural community. Participants completed a self-assessment of their cultural competence (Campinha-Bacote, 1998) and their perceptions regarding the poor (Price et al., 1989). Information was also collected on a student's desire to work in underserved communities and their perception of the clinical experience. The sample included student nurse practitioners, physician assistants, social workers and physicians from the Midwest. Data collection and analysis of the findings is expected to be completed September 2000. Research studies, such as this, have the potential to influence policies that affect the availability of programs related to access to care and the development of culturally competent health professionals.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able 1. Recognize that there is a need for culturally competent health professionals. 2. Describe the level at which participants in the study felt they were culturally competent. 3. Discuss student's perceptions regarding health care and the poor
Keywords: Cultural Competency, Primary Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.