Measuring+cross-cultural+adaptability

Download a PDF of this page ** Measuring cross-cultural adaptability and professional core values development of entry-level student physical therapists: A proof-of-concept study ** Leslie Glickman, Executive Director of External Affairs, University of Maryland School of Medicine [lglickman@som.umaryland.edu]


 * Keywords:** Cross-cultural adaptability, professional development, cultural competence, global immersion, mixed methods


 * Conference track:** Higher education student outcomes


 * Format:** Research/Scholarly paper

This study’s design provided an opportunity to effectively examine the difference in six Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Students’ cross-cultural adaptability development from an immersion experience in a non-native culture compared to an experience with an educational module. This finding supports previously reported findings on the value of experiential learning. As an evidence-based profession and with an increased interest and exploration of global opportunities to supplement an education module for DPT students, it appears important to have outcome data to measure the value of these types of initiatives and potential direction for its components, structure, and expectations.
 * Summary**

The globalization phenomenon in healthcare necessitates that entry-level DPT students develop cultural competence and a greater sensitivity to a diverse clinical environment. Structured learning with in-class as well as out-of-class assignments aids students in becoming more competent professionals and enhances their cultural competence development.

For this study, two groups of entry-level DPT were compared at three points in time using quantitative and qualitative tools. The quantitative tools consisted of two self-assessment measures, the //Cross-Cultural Adaptability Inventory//™ and the APTA Assessment of Core Values. The qualitative tools included student reflection journal entries and student interviews.

Quantitative data showed a significant difference between the two groups in total scores at two points in time (before and immediately after) for cross-cultural adaptability but not in professional core values development. Qualitative data based on reflection journal themes provided additional insights related to the quantitative data. As a type of experiential learning, global immersion appears to offer greater benefits in developing cultural competency skills than only modules and suggests a key to helping eliminate health disparities.

American Physical Therapy Association. (2004). //A normative model of physical therapist professional education//. Alexandria, VA: Author.
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