title: Applying Theory to Assess Cultural Competency.
abstract: Using a theoretical cultural competency model, the effectiveness of a cultural competency learning assignment was examined to determine: 1) students' cultural competency levels as reflected through the assignment, and 2) the effectiveness of the assignment as a cultural competency learning activity. Third-year family medicine clerkship students completed a required project to research and reflect upon a patient's "cultural belief." Applying a model of cultural competence development, a content analysis of written project reports determined what level of cultural competence was expressed by students' reflections. Results indicated16% of students were at "no insight", 18% at "minimal emphasis" and 66% at "acceptance." While many students expressed an "acceptance" competence level, not all students expressed the desired level of acceptance about the role of cultural beliefs in medical care. Application of a cultural competency theory to assess learners permits educators to frame performance changes within the context of competency achievement and determine if desired levels of competency have been achieved.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Family Medicine and Dean's Office.
authors.forename: Amy V
authors.initials: AV
authors.lastname: Blue
authors.affiliation: b Department of Family Medicine College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina.
authors.forename: Carolyn
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Thiedke
authors.affiliation: b Department of Family Medicine College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina.
authors.forename: Alexander W
authors.initials: AW
authors.lastname: Chessman
authors.affiliation: b Department of Family Medicine College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina.
authors.forename: Donna H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Kern
authors.affiliation: b Department of Family Medicine College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina.
authors.forename: Albert
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Keller