Abstract
ABSTRACTOBJECTIVETo validate an instrument measuring the cultural competence in health care workers from Chile.METHODSUsing Sue & Sue’s theoretical model of cultural competence, we designed a scale, which was assessed by health care workers and experts. Subsequently, the scale was applied to a sample of 483 different health care workers, during 2018 in Santiago de Chile. The analysis included: exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, estimation of reliability, and analysis of measurement bias. Finally, the level of cultural competence was calculated for every professional who participated in this study.RESULTSThe final scale include 14 items that are grouped into three dimensions concordant with the theoretical model: sensitivity to own prejudices, cultural knowledge, and skills to work in culturally diverse environments. This scale showed good fit in factor models, adequate reliability and lack of evidence of measurement bias. Regarding the performance of health care workers, sensitivity showed a lower level compared with the other dimensions evaluated.CONCLUSIONThe scale for measuring the level of cultural competence in health care workers (EMCC-14) is a reliable instrument, with initial support for its validity, which can be used in the Chilean context. Additionally, the results of this study could guide some possible interventions in the health sector to strengthen the level of cultural competence.
Highlights
The scale for measuring the level of cultural competence in health care workers (EMCC-14) is a reliable instrument, with initial support for its validity, which can be used in the Chilean context
Chile has progressively become a more diverse country as 4.4% of its population is composed of foreign immigrants[1]; of these, 12.8% declare themselves to belong to an indigenous group[1] and 3.1% of men and 2.3% of women identify themselves with a gender different from their sex of birth[2]
The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) showed that the initial 22 items were grouped into the three proposed theoretical dimensions
Summary
Chile has progressively become a more diverse country as 4.4% of its population is composed of foreign immigrants[1]; of these, 12.8% declare themselves to belong to an indigenous group[1] and 3.1% of men and 2.3% of women identify themselves with a gender different from their sex of birth[2]. Chile is committed to providing patient-centred health care[3]. It means, among other things, addressing the particular needs of different population groups and providing treatment free of discrimination. It is important to consider the role of cultural aspects in people’s relationship with the processes of health and disease[3]. When cultural aspects are not considered in health care, interactions between patients and professionals are less patient-centred, shorter, and less positive[5]. Cultural competence (CC) in health refers to the permanent reflection and questioning by the health care worker about how culture – of the professional and of the patient – impacts on the interaction with the users of the health system[6]. CC, includes a commitment to delivering services which take into account the patient’s beliefs and actions
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