Cultural Competence in Healthcare Workshops

Summary:  This is a minimum of a two hour workshop that utilizes an experiential learning experience focused on acquiring cultural competence by actually experiencing many of the emotions and thought processes that one would encounter when visiting another culture.  This experience helps develop capacity to better interact with any culture.  Furthermore, the workshop explores many of the beliefs and myths about healthcare and medicine found in many Latino cultures that are helpful when serving our significant Latino population in NCW.  There is flexibility to expand this workshop to four hours or shorten it to no less than two hours.

Brief Program Overview

  1. Discussion of population demographics and what it means to healthcare providers.
  2. Notable characteristics about different populations in North Central Washington.
  3. Review of many of the beliefs and myths about healthcare among ethnic populations.
  4. Understanding and developing empathy for people when they are “out of their comfort zone.”
  5. What to do when modern medicine clashes with cultural beliefs/myths related to healthcare.
  6. Experiential Learning Experience:  Activity (visiting a different culture)
  7. Debriefing of Activity
  8. Discussion of the human trait of “intolerance” towards people who are “different.”
  9. Discussion of the individual and organizational “journey” towards cultural competence.
  10. Closing 

Cost:  
Network members – $300 for a two hour workshop/ $100 per additional hour             
Non-network members - $500 for a two hour workshop/$100 per additional hour

Preparation:  It is important to schedule a planning meeting/conference with the employer’s leadership to identify specific goals and desired outcomes for the workshop.  Additionally, being aware of specific concerns or issues that the employer may desire to be taken into consideration as part of this training could be mutually beneficial.

Organizational Commitment:  Depending on the organization’s commitment to cultural competence in the workplace, an analysis of other organizational factors to support cultural competence growth may be provided.  These may include review of signage, décor, specific recommended activities and policies that support this goal.

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Cultural Immersion Program in Development
Central Mexico Professional Exchange

Summary:  This program goes beyond our local “experiential learning” workshop in cultural competence.  To develop a deeper understanding and cultural competence, we have developed this immersion program utilizing the sister-city relationship between the cities of Wenatchee and Uruapan, in central Mexico as well as other cities like Puerto Vallarta and Monterrey.  Our Professional Exchange provides an experience that truly develops a person’s natural ability to adjust and creatively handle unfamiliar surroundings.  At the same time, you will acquire culture and language skills specific to a profession or area of work.  For two to six weeks (longer if desired), each individual will be paired with someone in their (or similar) profession and be hosted by a local Mexican family in their home.  A local coordinator will serve as a guide to other educational, cultural and tourist activities providing an excellent opportunity to absorb the local culture, language and way of life.  This is a truly educational, cultural, and tourist experience with long-lasting benefits.

Expected Outcomes: 

  • Better understanding of the culture.
  • Develop language skills specific to chosen profession.
  • Increase ability to understand and effectively serve the Latino market in the U.S.
  • Increase ability to serve the Latino sector in a specific profession.
  • Develop a broader perspective on the world in general.
  • Make friends/ties in another country
  • Opportunity to be a host in future professional exchanges and continue the learning process.

Brief Program Overview

  1. A short course in conversational Spanish is highly recommended for anyone who speaks very little or no Spanish before participating in this program.
  2. A reception/dinner will be scheduled in Wenatchee to get the group familiar with each other, provide orientation and address any last minute questions.
  3. Fly to Guadalajara Mexico, be met at the airport by program coordinator/guide.
  4. Two nights at Guadalajara…visit specific educational sites, receive orientation of activities planned.
  5. One day trip to Uruapan with several short stops at specific points of interest along the way.
  6. Upon arrival in Uruapan a short reception to introduce group to dignitaries and host-family representatives.  Some members of the group may leave with their hosts at that time, others will be driven to their respective host residence the next day.
  7. First full day in Uruapan will be a day of relaxation and getting settled in with host families.  There will be only one group meeting/dinner activity that day where the coordinator will review schedule of group activities and address any questions.
  8. In addition to scheduled group activities, the Coordinator will present each member an individual planner of activities he or she will be taking part in with their peer professional.  Coordinator will review this with both guest and peer professional.
  9. There will be group activities and visits to places of interest as part of the program guided by the Coordinator.  Participation is optional by visiting group members depending on their length of stay. 
  10. Regular group meetings will present an opportunity for group members with shorter stays to say goodbye to those staying longer.
  11. Coordinator will drive group members to the airport and see to their safe return flight.
  12. A reception/dinner will be scheduled in Wenatchee to re-convene group after having completed their Immersion Professional Exchange experience.

Preparation:  It is always a good idea to have an individual orientation meeting with U.S. Program Coordinator to identify specific goals and desired outcomes from the Professional Exchange experience.  Being clear about any special needs, concerns or limitations is important in order to ensure the best possible experience for each individual.

Organizational Commitment:  Community Choice can provide additional guidance to an organization’s HR office or Cultural Competence Coordinator on how to implement ongoing activities that support desired organizational growth in this area.

Cost: TBD