Maternal-child immigrant health training: changing knowledge and attitudes to improve health care delivery

Patient Educ Couns. 1996 Jan;27(1):23-31. doi: 10.1016/0738-3991(95)00786-5.

Abstract

This paper reports the development, implementation and evaluation of a training program for all levels of staff of Maternity Infant Care Family Planning Centers in New York City. The learner-centered training is designed to enhance cross-cultural sensitivity and communication skills. It provides epidemiological and patient management skills for serving ethnically diverse populations and focuses on skills training, such as the cross-linguistic, cross-cultural interview, and using epidemiological principles in diagnosis and treatment. In addition to the core curriculum, each module is tailored to the site-specific information needs of the participants, as determined during individualized needs assessments. There are five sessions: the cross-cultural medical interview and working with interpreters; epidemiologic issues; attitudes and practices in maternal child health; family dynamics and interactions; and a session devoted to follow-up and evaluation. This training has been very successful in enhancing health care providers' sensitivity toward immigrant health issues. Pre- and post-test measurements found statistically significant improvements in the knowledge and attitudes of participants. Patient care has been greatly improved.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Communication
  • Cultural Diversity
  • Emigration and Immigration*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Health Personnel / education*
  • Health Personnel / psychology
  • Humans
  • Inservice Training / organization & administration*
  • Maternal-Child Health Centers / standards*
  • Program Evaluation
  • Quality Assurance, Health Care*