Enhancing cultural competence in mental health settings: From undergraduate training to continuing education

Abstract

New Zealand is a country of many cultures and ethnicities. With a growing Asian community, cultural capability of the mental health workforce is essential to ensure that Asians have equity in access to appropriate and high quality services. Literature indicates a growing need to develop resources and enhance knowledge on cultural competence to assist health service providers to address the needs of people from diverse backgrounds. Yet, at what stage of training and/or practice are health professionals gaining access to this knowledge? Consultation with local health services and tertiary education institutions revealed a gap in the knowledge of Asian mental health being taught in the curriculum of students undertaking training to become health professionals. Further research indicated a need and desire from tertiary institutions to have access to Asian mental health material for both enhancing students’ learning, and promoting the concept of continuing education following graduation. As a result, an interactive, selfadministrative CD-rom comprising three modules: self-reflection; Asian philosophies; and clinical issues was compiled.