Experience of migrant care and needs for cultural competence training among public health workers in Korea

Abstract

PHWs reported experiencing multiple challenges from a lack of preparedness for culturally competent care and their clients' vulnerability. Development of cultural competence training is suggested through e-learning that reflects the PHWs' experiences and provides systematic support.

Agreement on Core Components of an E-Learning Cultural Competence Program for Public Health Workers in South Korea: A Delphi Study

“…In order to construct the questionnaire, authors reviewed the literature (relevant books and domestic and international studies on cultural competence education interventions). Authors also assessed the educational needs for cultural competence through a focus group interview with PHWs [3]. The interview, which involved 26 PHWs working at five public health centers in Gwangju city, explored content, preferred teachingelearning methods, frequency, duration, and target audience.…”

“…Most married migrants who are members of multicultural families in Korea are women who experience pregnancy and childbirth within a short period of entering the country. These women are the main targets of maternal health care provided by public health workers (PHWs) [3].…”

“…Previous studies [2,4] showed that migrants had a high level of demand for public health care, and many (76.6%) said that they would be willing to avail such services if they were provided in public health centers. In Korea, PHWs include various professionals, such as nurses, medical technicians, Western and oriental medical doctors, dieticians, dentists, and pharmacists [3]. The role of PHWs in providing primary health care is important for meeting the basic health-care needs of migrants and for promoting health equity.…”

“…However, only a few (16.3%e20.3%) PHWs have received the cultural competence training needed to provide effective services to migrants [5,6]. PHWs have pointed out that additional training is needed, including information on the main migrant groups encountered at public health centers [3]. It is well known that cultural competence education for health-care workers has a positive effect on the health outcomes of migrants [7,8].…”

“…It is well known that a distinct drawback of e-learning is the technology involved in delivering online courses [17]. However, as previous focus group interviews with PHWs in Korea have shown, PHWs already take part in many educational programs in an e-learning environment; thus, they preferred computer-or smartphone-based e-learning for cultural competence courses [3]. Therefore, this study aimed to seek agreement on the ideal core components of an e-learning cultural competence program for Korean PHWs, while prioritizing educational content areas from the perspective of a panel of experts.…”