Ireliam Guadalupe (Florida Gulf Coast University); Sarah Manspeaker (Duquesne University)
Issue to be addressed: Cultural competence (CC) is a set of behaviors, attitudes, and policies that enable a healthcare system to function effectively in transcultural interactions. Development of CC is critical in treating diverse patient populations to minimize healthcare disparities. Immersive study abroad experiences may offer cultural experiences to develop CC.
Method: Multistage mixed-methods design.CC scores were collected from 12 students enrolled in a study abroad course using a validated instrument. Perceptions of CC were collected via interviews and analyzed qualitatively using constant comparative analysis.
Outcome: Students increased CC scores from pre-survey to post-survey. Themes for perceptions of CC were identified as:1) patient-centered care,2) expansion of cultural perspective, and 3) peer collaboration during clinical encounters.Conclusions: Students demonstrated an increase in CC levels following a study abroad course. Results support that culturally authentic clinical experiences expand students’ cultural perspectives and subsequently may better prepare them to care for diverse patient populations while positively impacting inequities and healthcare disparities.
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