Cultural Competency Education for Researchers: A Pilot Study Using a Neighborhood Visit Approach.

Background: Little attention has been given to the cultural competence education needs for researchers.

Objectives: To describe the planning and implementation of a neighborhood visit approach to cultural competency education in the community.

Methods: A committee of community partners and academics planned, conducted and evaluated the visit. The cultural competence and confidence (CCC) model was used to engage researchers. An evaluation survey assessed participant satisfaction and experiences.

Results: Of the 74 attendees 64 (84%) completed the conference evaluation. Attendees expressed that the visit and conference objectives were met and that the content was relevant to their work. Nearly all (95%) responded they would incorporate what they learned into practice.

Conclusion: A neighborhood visit approach is feasible and acceptable to researchers and community partners. Evaluation of this community based education program showed preliminary evidence of changing both the way researchers think about the community and conduct research.