Increasing the cultural awareness of medical students in rural Queensland: Is it working?

Thomsett, J. Dr., Ariotti, L, Gillies, S and Carter, G.J.

Both the Cunningham Center and University of Queensland School of Medicine initiated a study to evaluate the effectiveness of the Cultural Awareness Workshop in future Rural Rotation Orientation Weeks. The study provided valuable information for assessing the effectiveness of the workshop and for planning future improvements for medical students undertaking rural rotation orientations in South-West Queensland.

Aims:
The main objective in the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Cultural Awareness Program in Rural Rotation Orientation Weeks during 2000-01. The study reflects non-experimental program evaluation methodology with an improvement orientation using comprehensive sampling:

• Rural Rotation Orientation Week Evaluation Form with traditional face-to-face distribution yielded a 100% response rate.
• Student Evaluation Questionnaire with online mail outs.
• Preceptor Evaluation Questionnaire with online mail outs.

• Medical students because most students have had limited contact with indigenous culture.
• Medical practitioners hosting clinical placements who are able to assess the interaction of students with indigenous community members.
• University medical schools and rural health training units offering medical education and clinical placements, particularly in the transmission of knowledge about and attitudes to indigenous cultures.
• Indigenous community members for improved communication and access to rural health services.

1. self assessed improvement in medical students' knowledge of and attitudes towards indigenous cultures in clinical and public health settings.
2. preceptor observations of medical students' attitudes towards indigenous cultures in clinical and public health settings.
3. student satisfaction with the Cultural Awareness Workshop.