Developing Cultural Competency Training in Healthcare: 5 Steps

As racial ethnicity and diversity increases across the U.S., many healthcare organizations are looking to optimize care quality for each of the cultural groups they serve. However, even with well-developed improvement strategies, delivering safe and appropriate care can be challenging for teams that don’t have the skills, experience, or cultural awareness to manage the care of more diverse populations.

One way facilities can help individuals feel more safe and secure in the healthcare environment is to provide staff with cultural competency training. In healthcare facilities, prioritizing cultural competence can optimize health outcomes, improve patient satisfaction, and build loyalty among administrators, clinical staff, and patients.

In this article, we’ll introduce the basics of cultural competence training and explain why it’s important for facilities to address. Then, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide for healthcare leaders looking to develop a cultural competency education program to assist their staff members in providing the best care possible.

What Is Cultural Competency Training?

By definition, cultural competence in a healthcare setting describes an organization’s ability to provide specialized care to patients with diverse backgrounds, values, customs, and languages. Providers who demonstrate cultural competence are able to reduce the negative effects of unconscious bias and discrimination by acknowledging any preconceived judgements they may hold and attempting to provide equitable care despite these natural biases.

Unfortunately, this skill doesn’t come naturally to many providers. Some believe that categorizing individuals according to a particular group and then generalizing and stereotyping the type of care members of that group prefer is the same thing as cultural competence. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

Instead, cultural competency training in healthcare helps clinical staff understand the nuances that come with caring for individuals from all walks of life and helps providers attend to each patient with an equitable level of kindness, compassion, and respect.

Why Should Facilities Promote Cultural Competence In Healthcare?

The effect of cultural competency training that stands out the most is elevated patient satisfaction scores. When patients feel comfortable in a healthcare environment, they naturally tend to be happier with the care they receive.

However, the impact of cultural competency goes well beyond patient satisfaction. There are quite a few ways facilities can benefit by developing a program for employee cultural competency training. Examples include:

• Optimized health outcomes.
• Higher patient loyalty and engagement.
• Increased sense of unity among patients and members of the care team.
• Improved employee job satisfaction and retention.
• Enhanced brand image.

How to Improve Cultural Competence In Healthcare: 5 Steps

Now that you understand the positive impacts of cultural competency in healthcare, you’re probably curious about how to initiate a cultural awareness program at your organization. The nature and sensitivity of the topic can make program development seem daunting. However, by following these five steps, you’re well on your way to creating an initiative that’s effective and meaningful for both patients and employees.

1. Conduct Background Research

Before designing a cultural competency training for healthcare providers, it’s important to gain insight into your facility’s patient population. Start by identifying the different cultural groups your facility serves. Take note of the languages, beliefs, and social norms that could impact a patient’s health.

In this stage of the planning process, it’s also important to listen to what members of different racial and ethnic groups have to say about their care experiences. Hosting patient and family councils is a great way to hear their opinions in an open and inviting way.

2. Develop a Cultural Competency Training Committee

Next, form a committee to plan and design your cultural competency training program. Make sure to include administrative and clinical staff to identify barriers to implementation and optimize effectiveness of the training.

During training planning, members should assess facility policies and address those that might not align with your organization’s inclusivity practices. You’ll want to make sure that your company’s messaging is consistent for all audiences.

3. Choose a Training Platform That Suits Your Needs

Now that you’ve decided on the content to include in your cultural competency training, figure out how to present the program to employees. You have multiple options for dissemination, depending on the learning preferences of your clinical staff. These include:

• Creating an e-learning module or presentation for employees to access electronically.
• Leading an in-person educational lecture that’s presented by a diversity and inclusion team member.
• Hosting a guest panel of clinical employees and patients to discuss their experiences and share caregiving strategies that made them feel safe and welcome.

4. Initiate the Employee Training Program

After putting in time and effort to develop a meaningful cultural competency program, it’s time to schedule the training. You can provide the teaching at new-hire onboarding or during annual staff competency sessions. Offering continuing education credits can incentivize employees to complete the training.

5. Evaluate Training Effectiveness

Once you’ve rolled out your program, you’ll need to evaluate the impacts of the cultural competency training. In Healthcare environments, of course, this includes both your patients and staff. Compare new patient satisfaction surveys, health outcomes, and staff retention scores to those conducted before the training. Take note of any positive or negative trends, and adjust the program as necessary.

Find More Ways to Promote Inclusivity in Your Facility

Implementing cultural competency training in healthcare facilities is just one way to provide fair and equitable care. Follow along in our newsletter to find additional strategies for promoting a positive healthcare experience for your patients and employees.