Impact of cultural competency education on students of a radiography program in a baccalaureate-degree-granting institution

Abstract

Health care professionals have the ethical obligation to become knowledgeable in any capacity that can benefit the well-being of a diverse patient population. A patient-centered care approach that responds to patients' unique needs and reduces health disparities among diverse patient populations can be achieved by training culturally competent health care professionals. Cultural competency is a continuum and has many different levels. Culturally competent health care professionals may not know everything about people who are culturally different from them, but they must know how to become knowledgeable and create a positive environment that is welcoming to all patients. This study explores the effects of cultural competency education on students of a radiography program in a baccalaureate-degree-granting public institution as well as providing direction on institutional and curricular improvement.