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Evaluating cultural competence among behavioral health professionals
Victoria Stanhope1, Phyllis Solomon, Anita Pernell-Arnold
1School of Social Work, University of Pennsylvania, 3701 Locust Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6214, USA. stanhope@ssw.upenn.edu
Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal
|February 5, 2005
Summary
Evaluating cultural competence trainings for behavioral health professionals is crucial. The study addresses challenges in measuring cultural competence to improve services for diverse populations and support recovery.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Cultural Competence in Healthcare
- Mental Health Services Evaluation
Background:
- Racial and ethnic disparities persist in behavioral health service access and utilization.
- Cultural competence training for behavioral health professionals is increasingly implemented.
- Effective evaluation is needed to ensure training improves provider skills and patient recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss philosophical and practical issues in measuring cultural competence.
- To present findings from evaluating statewide cultural competence trainings.
- To inform the development of robust and feasible evaluation designs.
Main Methods:
- Evaluation of statewide cultural competence trainings for behavioral health professionals.
- Analysis of challenges in operationalizing cultural competence measurement.
- Balancing needs of program implementers and evaluators in study design.
Main Results:
- The evaluation process highlighted significant challenges in measuring cultural competence.
- Difficulties were encountered in operationalizing abstract concepts into measurable outcomes.
- Balancing stakeholder needs and methodological rigor presented a key challenge.
Conclusions:
- Measuring cultural competence in behavioral health requires careful consideration of philosophical and practical issues.
- Developing effective evaluation designs is essential for assessing training impact on providers and persons in recovery.
- Addressing these challenges can lead to improved behavioral health services for diverse populations.
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