Evaluation of a new cultural competency training program: CARE Columbus

Abstract

Purpose: This article reports the educational outcomes of the newly developed CARE (Cultural Awareness and Respect Through Education) Columbus cultural competency training program.

Methods: Questionnaires were administered to course participants, who completed the 3-hour CARE Columbus cultural competency training program from March 17, 2006, to April 18, 2008. A pilot work site implementation questionnaire was also sent to a smaller sample of participants who completed the course.

Results: The CARE Columbus cultural competency training received an overall program rating of 4.5 on a 5-point scale. Sixty-three percent (379 of 601) of the participants completed the program questionnaires. In addition, 55% (33 of 60) of the pilot work site implementation questionnaires were completed.

Conclusion: Initial evaluation of the CARE Columbus cultural competency training program appears to demonstrate its effectiveness in improving attitudes, knowledge, and skills. Expanded evaluation to include determination of how best to overcome work site implementation barriers is warranted. Future challenges include development of an optimal business plan to maintain sustainability and improve outreach of CARE Columbus and similar classroom style training programs.