Mixed-method Analysis of the Obstacles in Creating a Culturally and Linguistically Competent Health Workforce

Research on cultural & linguistic competency has yet to determine the impact of training and program implementation on the elimination of health disparities and the increase in quality health care practice. The Racial & Ethnic Health Disparities Action Council (REHDAC) conducted a mixed-method analysis of the immediate knowledge gained (quantitative) and longer-term knowledge and practice impacts (qualitative) from a day long training on cultural competency in the healthcare setting. Among other results, the findings revealed that health care administrators can increase their knowledge of the resources and programs available to increase the cultural and linguistic competency in their health care organizations; however, the changes to the health care organizations are still steered by the high-level leadership of the organizations, internal policy adaptations and fiscal concerns over costs of training and program development. The research suggests various methods to overcome these obstacles and create a more competent, high quality public health and health care workforce.