S: University-based researchers often encounter unexpected obstacles while conducting research projects in local communities. This paper describes the development of a cultural competency training module for service providers of HIV positive African Americans and some of the constraints faced by a team from the University of South Florida while developing that module. Creating a cultural competency training module was the primary objective of Phase II of a three-year study funded by the Ryan White CARE Council in Hillsborough County, Florida to increase service utilization by HIV positive African Americans. In order to accomplish this, the research team conducted literature and material reviews to evaluate current theories and training modules used to incorporate cultural competence into health care programs. The researchers also conducted in-depth interviews with service providers, active clients and non-active clients to prioritize issues experienced locally in the provision of HIV/AIDS services to African Americans and to incorporate them into the training module. In addition, factors such as ethnicity, gender, the personal characteristics of the research team, difficulties recruiting hard-to-reach populations for participation, and funding restrictions represented some of the unforeseen obstacles faced while conducting community-based research with a minority population.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant (learner) will be able to: 1. Recognize obtacles to conducting community-based research among minority populations 2. Discuss the uses of cultural competence training in health care service provision 3. Identify components of cultural competence training programs
Keywords: Cultural Competency, Minority Research
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Ryan White CARE Council, Hillsborough County, Florida
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: I am employed by the principal investigator who is receiving a grant from Ryan White to conduct the study discussed in the paper.