Assessing changes in intercultural sensitivity among physician trainees using the intercultural development inventory

Intercultural sensitivity and competence is crucial to a successful medical practice with an increasingly diverse patient population. Twenty-four pediatric resident trainees, 10 American and 14 non-American, at a US medical center, had their intercultural sensitivity assessed, using the intercultural development inventory (IDI), before and after an intercultural training intervention. Demographic measures were taken to assess predictors of intercultural sensitivity. This study expands the use of the IDI to a new population, medical providers, and describes normative standards for this group. A profile emerged which showed low levels of Denial and Defense and moderate levels of Acceptance, Cognitive and Behavioral Adaptation. The Minimization factor was surprisingly high. In spite of small sample size, trends, using IDIs and clinical assessments, indicate that cultural training increased intercultural sensitivity. Discussions focus on the effectiveness of the IDI to measure subtle attitudinal changes and behavioral intentions, the need for multiple intercultural sensitivity measures, and the efficacy of a multi-modal training intervention.