Cultural Competence in The Eyes of Health Cluster Faculty Members at Qatar University: Perception and Application-A Mixed Methods Study

Abstract

Background: Globalization impacts several aspects of life including education. Medical education in Qatar is progressing and developing by the effort of multicultural team that ensure the emerge of future healthcare providers that are patient-centered, well educated and well knowledgeable. Although having this multicultural teaching can be beneficial in some area, it can represent a challenge. This study aims to investigate the perception of Medical colleges' faculty members at Qatar University (QU) about the impact of this diversity on the health education in specific and Qatar's cultures and values in general. Methods: A mixed-methods design was followed, where two types of data were collected in a parallel manner; quantitative and qualitative data. A survey link (Quantitative) was sent to the health clusters faculty members at QU. The questions in the survey were based on a validated tool known as 'Multicultural Teaching Competence Scale'. A focus group was conducted with the faculty members to access in depth their perception. Result: The total score of Multicultural Teaching Competence of all the participants was between 39 and 77 (The maximum in the tool is 80 and the minimum is 16), which is divided into total score of Multicultural Teaching Competence Skill of all the participants, where the higher score was 48 and the lowest score was 19 (The maximum is 60 and the minimum is 10), and total score of Multicultural Teaching knowledge, where the higher score was 30 and the lowest was 9 (The maximum is 36 and the minimum 9). The focus group was transcribed and divided into themes based on the interview with faculty members. Conclusion: In conclusion, both the qualitative and quantitative data showed a positive behavior toward the multicultural teaching. Therefore, this study shows that the faculty members in health cluster colleges at Qatar University are generally knowledgeable and skilled in relation to the multicultural teaching