Effects of Cultural Competency Education on Radiography Students

To determine if radiography students' classroom knowledge transformed into skills and positive attitudes about cultural competency, and to determine whether students were sensitive, empathetic, and culturally competent toward their patients while conducting radiographic procedures.

The first stage of the research focused on giving the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE) survey to a group of 24 first-year, 19 second-year, and 27 third-year radiography students. The first-year students were given the survey once before the start of their program in the fall and once after the fall semester. The second- and third-year students were given the survey once during the fall semester. The main method of this study was a qualitative approach. Nine students then were interviewed, and 4 faculty members participated in a focus group.

Two students indicated the cultural competency education adequately provided them with pertinent information about this subject. Most students indicated that there should be more education in the form of discussions and case studies or a new course specifically dedicated to cultural competency. The JSE survey average score for first-year students before the start of their program was 108.7 points on a 120-point scale, and the average score for first-year students after the first semester was 113.4 points. The average score for second-year students was 113.5 points, and the third-year students' average JSE score was 110.6 points.

The results from student interviews and faculty focus groups indicated that students learned the importance of cultural competency. However, students and faculty recognized the need for more lectures, discussions, and courses specific to cultural competency in the curriculum. Students and faculty members acknowledged the existence of a diverse patient population and the crucial need to be sensitive toward different cultures, beliefs, and value systems in society. Students in this program were aware of the importance of cultural competency but also thought they needed more reminders throughout the program to stay current on this concept.

Education programs might be able to provide the knowledge and information on cultural competency through lectures, courses, discussions, and hands-on practices, but students' backgrounds, life experiences, and their willingness to learn might ultimately determine the efficacy of their cultural competency.