Sue Lim | eCALD National Programme Director
Dr Annette Mortensen | eCALD National Coordination + Project Manager
We are very excited to share the results from our 'Pre and Post CALD Training Evaluation Study' that was conducted at the end of 2017 with 60 practitioners participating.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the face-to-face and online CALD cultural competency post training improvements in learners’ attitudes and behaviours when working with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) patients and families and in patient experiences.
The study provides clear evidence that CALD health practitioners' cross-cultural practice has improved with more consistent use of cultural assessment; asking patients for their explanations of health and illness; and their expectations of health care. Health care staff reported better patient advocacy and assistance with navigating the health system.
"I am more aware of some of the barriers to health care and go outside the usual box to facilitate access to the service I am involved with. I am more aware of the journey and experience that they are going through."
- post training quote from respondent
Background
Since 2015 the New Zealand Government has accepted an additional 600 Emergency Quota Refugees (EQR) from Syria for resettlement in Palmerston North, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. To support the health workforce in these regions to work with the EQR refugees, eCALD® Services was contracted by the Ministry of health to provide face-to-face and online CALD cultural competency training courses in 2017 and 2018. As part of the contract, eCALD® was required to conduct a pre and post CALD training evaluation study.