Exploratory study on what motivates a midwest academic hospital's education department staff to develop their cultural competence

Title

Exploratory study on what motivates a midwest academic hospital's education department staff to develop their cultural competence

Creator

Lamb, Kathren

Description

Lamb, Kathren

Healthcare is challenged with providing quality care while remaining competitive in the marketplace. Quality care is enhanced by providing culturally competent care to patient population that is increasingly diverse. Culturally competent care requires effectively providing services to all people in a manner that respects the worth of the individual and preserves their dignity. A culturally competent workplace enables staff to work effectively across cultures and is key to attracting and retaining highly trained and motivated staff. The healthcare industry can enhance quality of care and employee engagement by promoting cultural competence within the workplace. This study explored what motivates a Midwest Academic Hospital’s Education Department staff to develop their cultural competence. The results, point to a few factors which appear to motivate the majority. Of significance was the all of the survey respondents (N=8) classified three of the motivational factors as either “Very Motivational” or “Extremely Motivational.” These motivational factors were: 1) understanding the importance of treating others with dignity and respect, 2) having an awareness that being culturally competent decreases healthcare disparities, and 3) having an awareness that being culturally competent can create a more satisfying workplace. The survey questions relate to specific components of the Campinah-Bacote’s (2002) Progress of Cultural Competence model which is ongoing process that involves the integration of cultural awareness, cultural knowledge, cultural skill, cultural encounters, and cultural desire. Cultural Awareness (avg. 3.25) and Cultural Skills (avg. 3) are shown to provide the most motivation. Cultural Encounters was the least motivating factor. However, responses to the open-ended questions provided with the survey reveal that cultural encounters really do motivate staff. The focus group (N=10) indicated that staff were motivated when the cultural circumstance was personal to them. Some were motivated by their family or relationships, others by the diverse neighborhood they grew up, religious connections or places they visited. Healthcare leaders are faced with the challenge of providing quality care while remaining competitive in the marketplace. Quality care can be enhanced by providing culturally competent care for a patient population that is increasingly diverse. Culturally competent care requires effectively providing services to all people in a manner respects the worth of the individual and preserves their dignity. A culturally competent workplace enables staff to work effectively across cultures and is key to attracting and retaining highly trained and motivated staff, which allows the organization to strengthen its competitive advantage.

Date

2012

Publisher

Alverno College

Extent

85 pages

Language

English

Format

PDF

Type

Text
Inquiry Project

Subject

Cultural competence
Transcultural medical care

Rights

These materials may be used by individuals and libraries for personal use, research, teaching (including distribution to classes), or for any fair use as defined by U.S. Copyright Law.

Citation

Lamb, Kathren, “Exploratory study on what motivates a midwest academic hospital's education department staff to develop their cultural competence,” Alverno College Library Digital Commons, accessed May 17, 2024, https://alverno.omeka.net/items/show/473.