Cross-cultural training for nurses: A research-based education project

Of the 100,374 persons living in Maui County, Hawaii, 58 percent are Asians and Pacific Islanders, and 39 percent are Caucasians. By contrast, a visual survey of the nursing staff of two home care agencies showed approximately 85 percent Caucasians and 15 percent People of Color. A research-based, Cross-Cultural Training (CCT) was conducted to educate home care nurses about the beliefs, values, and practices regarding illness and dying among the Filipino, Hawaiian, Japanese and gay-Caucasian communities. The training protocol adapted the cultural assimilator and behavior modeling methods utilized in Harrison's 1992 study with the addition of a panel presentation by ethnic and cultural experts. Pre- and posttest measures of the combined approach yielded positive results in reactions and behavioral skills, although learning results were not statistically significant.