Cultural sensitivity training: description and evaluation of a workshop

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Cultural Competency Training
• Healthcare Professional Development

Background:

• Cultural sensitivity is crucial for effective patient care.
• Nurses require specific training to navigate diverse patient populations.
• Existing training methods may need enhancement to foster deeper cultural understanding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe materials and evaluate a cultural sensitivity workshop for nursing students.
• To assess the impact of the workshop on students' cultural awareness and professional practice.
• To identify levels of cultural sensitivity development.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods evaluation combining quantitative questionnaires and qualitative In-depth Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).
• Workshop included lectures on cultural differences, name/memory exercises, and cultural genograms.
• IPA was used to analyze interview data and identify themes and levels of cultural sensitivity.

Main Results:

• Quantitative data indicated the workshop was useful and clear.
• Qualitative data revealed themes of safety, increased awareness, freedom to inquire, and the importance of self-knowledge.
• Four levels of cultural sensitivity were identified: 'Them', 'Us and Them', 'We', and 'Transcendent'.

Conclusions:

• The cultural sensitivity workshop was highly appreciated by nursing students.
• There is a significant demand for further cultural sensitivity training in nursing education.
• The study provides insights into developing and advancing cultural sensitivity in healthcare professionals.