In today's multicultural society the need for culturally competent health students and professionals has been recognized by national organizations such as the Pew Health Professions Commission (1998) and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (1996). Enhanced efforts, including course work and clinical experiences for future health providers in defining and implementing culturally competent health care, will be required to eliminate racial and ethnic disparities in health. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the implementation of a National Health Service Corp program in the Midwest. The program goals included the development of culturally competent primary care providers and to increase health providers understanding of how life situations, such as poverty, may alter one's ability to make health choices or follow prescribed treatment. To assess the influence of a clinical experience on cultural awareness, a survey was conducted with nurse practitioner and physician assistant students following a clinical experience in an underserved area. Participants completed a self-assessment of their cultural competence (Campinha-Bacote, 1998) and their perceptions regarding the poor (Price et al., 1989). Information was also collected on a student's desire to work in underserved communities and their perception of the clinical experience. The sample included student nurse practitioners and physician assistants from the Midwest. Data collection and analysis of the findings is expected to be completed September 2000. Research studies, such as this, have the potential to influence policies that affect the availability of programs related to access to care and the development of culturally competent health professionals.
Learning Objectives: Learning goal At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to 1. Recognize that there is a need for culturally competent nurse practitioners and physician assistants. 2. Describe the level at which participants in the study felt they were culturally competent. 3. Discuss student's perceptions regarding health care and the poor
Keywords: Cultural Competency, Nurse Practitioners
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.