Integrating Cultural Humility Into Infant Safe Sleep Counseling: A Pediatric Resident Simulation

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Cultural Competency in Healthcare
• Pediatric Patient Care

Background:

• Pediatricians face challenges discussing infant safe sleep with non-native English speakers.
• Cultural humility is essential for effective cross-cultural patient communication.
• Simulations can enhance resident skills in diverse patient interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of a simulation on pediatric residents' cultural humility and preparedness.
• To improve residents' ability to counsel diverse families on infant safe sleep practices.
• To enhance skills for patient-centered care among diverse populations.

Main Methods:

• A simulation was developed for pediatric residents focusing on co-sleeping scenarios with a Burmese family.
• The Multidimensional Cultural Humility Scale (MCHS) was administered pre- and post-simulation.
• Participants completed additional questions on knowledge and preparation for cross-cultural sleep counseling.

Main Results:

• The simulation significantly increased residents' self-perceived cultural humility (MCHS scores).
• All participants reported enhanced preparedness for discussing co-sleeping and engaging diverse patient groups.
• Residents appreciated learning about the Burmese culture and new safe sleep counseling approaches.

Conclusions:

• Simulation-based training effectively boosts pediatric residents' cultural humility and counseling preparedness.
• Incorporating cultural humility into medical education improves care for diverse patient populations.
• This approach equips residents with vital skills for cross-cultural pediatric practice.