We separately synthesized articles that evaluated the cultural competence education of health professionals, and report those results elsewhere [ 6].
Principles and recommended standards for cultural competence education for healthcare professionals have also been developed through a consensus process funded by the California Endowment [ 31].
In our interactive e-assessment method, we see an opportunity to make staff members' knowledge, skill and ability needs visible – needs that can be addressed through individualized competence education.
To assist medical schools in the United States with the development, implementation and assessment of cultural competence education programs, the Association of American Medical Colleges, supported by a grant from the Commonwealth Fund, has convened experts to develop a Tool for the Assessment of Cultural Competence Training [ 30].
Combinations of search terms were used, relating to assessment (educational measurement, teaching, assessment, curriculum, education professional), competence (professional competence, competence, competencies, educational status, ability, skills), and patient safety (medical error, risk management, safety, patient safety, error, errors).
Culture-competence education, initially intended for mastery of specific domestic two-culture interactions, [ 32] is of limited utility in today's diverse, hybrid, and rapidly changing patient-care environment [ 33, 28].
Measures of competence during education and training of the health care workforce are in place, but how can ongoing competence be assessed, especially those who live and work outside metropolitan areas?
Among others, "networking to maintain nuclear competence through education and training", was recommended in 2001 by an expert panel to the European Commission [EUR, 19150 EN, Strategic issues related to a 6th Euratom Framework Programme (2002 2006). Scientific and Technical Committee Euratom, pp. 14].
While the commission's technical services were fighting an unrealistic battle to get treaty competence for education, Delors and Lamoureux were adamant that education systems should be national responsibilities.
Background: Competence based education is currently being introduced into higher surgical training in the UK.
Secretary Paige concluded that while states' licensing of teachers should require more verbal and subject-matter competence, "burdensome education requirements" should be eliminated.
