Evaluation of cultural competence and antiracism training in child health services.

AIMS To evaluate the acceptability and effectiveness of cultural competence and antiracism training to professionals providing services to ill or disabled children. METHODS Immediate post-training and retrospective questionnaire survey of trainees. Main outcome measures were acceptability; perceived relevance to practice; previous training in this area; perceived impact on professionals' confidence in providing care to diverse communities; and reported changes in behaviour and practice. RESULTS Cultural competence and antiracism training has been neglected in the health sector but is well received by professionals. It is a positive experience for trainees and perceived to be relevant to their practice. Appropriate and non-threatening training in cultural competence changes attitudes, behaviours, and practice, including promoting good practice in communication across linguistic and cultural differences. CONCLUSIONS Appropriate cultural competence and antiracism training is both effective and acceptable in child health services.