Validity and utility of the Swedish version of the Cultural Competence Assessment Instrument

Abstract

IntroductionGlobal migration as well as migration to Sweden has increased during the last few decades. A self-rating instrument that measures cultural competence could support occupational therapists’ professional knowledge when they encounter clients from different cultural backgrounds. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the content validity and utility of the Swedish version of the Cultural Competence Assessment Instrument among occupational therapists. Nineteen occupational therapists participated in four focus groups. ResultsThe results revealed that all 24 items of the Cultural Competence Assessment Instrument were valid, even though six of the items were in need of reformulations and exemplifications. The category Interactions with clients showed that the Cultural Competence Assessment Instrument – Swedish version could be utilised individually to raise awareness on cultural issues in practice. The category Workplace and its organisational support showed that the Cultural Competence Assessment Instrument – Swedish version had potential for use in different workplaces, and indicated the importance of organisational support in the development of communications and cultural competence. ConclusionThe evaluation indicated positive content validity for the Cultural Competence Assessment Instrument – Swedish version, and that it had the potential to be utilised in the Swedish context.