From the World to Western: A Community-Engaged Teaching Strategy to Enhance Students' Learning of Cultural Issues Relevant to Healthcare

Olayide Ogunsiji; Anita Eseosa Ogbeide; Valentine Mukuria; Florence Olugbemiro; Alex Workman; Tinashe Dune

doi:10.3390/ijerph19095114

From the World to Western: A Community-Engaged Teaching Strategy to Enhance Students' Learning of Cultural Issues Relevant to Healthcare

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Apr 22;19(9):5114. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19095114.

Authors

Olayide Ogunsiji¹, Anita Eseosa Ogbeide², Valentine Mukuria³, Florence Olugbemiro¹, Alex Workman^{2

4}, Tinashe Dune^{2

5

6}

Affiliations

¹ School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia.
² School of Health Sciences, Campbelltown Campus, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia.
³ Office of People and Success, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia.
⁴ School of Social Science, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia.
⁵ Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia.
⁶ Diabetes Obesity and Metabolism Translational Research Unit, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia.

Abstract

Using the transformational learning theory and action research method, this study captured the experiences of students from health-related disciplines in the cultural immersion program From the World to Western. A total of nine students participated in the pilot program with four host families from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds, and four cultural facilitators who connected the host families and students. The findings of this research showed that it was beneficial for students in health-related disciplines to engage in the cultural immersion program to further prepare them for culturally competent care in their future roles as healthcare professionals. In addition, the students indicated the need for the cultural immersion program to be part of the curriculum for future students to develop cultural skills, awareness and encounters with diverse populations.

Keywords: CALD groups; community-engaged learning; cultural competency; cultural facilitators; cultural immersion; health students; teaching and learning process.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Cultural Competency / education
Cultural Diversity
Culturally Competent Care
Curriculum
Delivery of Health Care
Health Personnel / education
Humans
Students, Nursing*