Testing Web-Based Cultural Competence Training for Hospice Providers Ardith Z. Doorenbos, PhD, Stephanie Myers Schim, PhD

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Keywords: cultural competence assessment (CCA), web-based training, hospice providers, cross-cultural communication

Abstract

A critical component in making hospice services acceptable to diverse communities is the preparation of culturally competent hospice providers. This project was a repeated-measures study. The purpose was to evaluate the effect of a web-based cultural competence intervention on hospice providers’ cultural competence and to establish acceptability and feasibility. Seventy-five hospice providers participated in this study. Findings demonstrated that cultural competence scores were significantly greater after the web-based cultural competence intervention. Providers reported finding the online delivery convenient and the interactive format valuable. Improving the quality of cross-cultural patient– provider communication can contribute to reducing disparities at end-of-life.

Progress report

Growing diversity within countries throughout the world compels a corresponding growth in culturally-congruent care to ensure optimal and equitable health care outcomes. During end of life, with heightened stress for patients and families, cultural congruence is essential to quality care. Hospice providers are key points of contact with patients and families; thus, improving hospice providers’ cultural competence is central to the health care system’s ability to provide high-quality,
high-value health care to patients of all cultures.

Studies found that better matches (congruence) between provider approaches and patient-specific needs result in more
effective treatment, closer adherence to medical regimens and, eventually, to lower overall costs. Unfortunately, proven
mechanisms to produce the desired competence coherently, consistently, and economically are not yet widely available.
This project contributes to filling this critical gap.
This project aims to (1) evaluate the effect of a web-based cultural competence intervention on hospice providers’ cultural
competence; and (2) establish acceptability, feasibility, and potential effect size prior to a future longitudinal web-based cultural competence intervention for hospice providers.