Self-assessment tools for assessing cultural competency: a rapid review of literature

Abstract

Established tools that assess cultural competency in the health workforce could contribute to providing culturally safe care to First Nations peoples. Using a rapid review approach, we searched several databases to evaluate the characteristics of self-assessment tools used to assess cultural competency and ascertain the context and outcomes of their use. Out of 529 documents, six articles fitted the study’s inclusion criteria. The main capabilities assessed by self-assessment tools ranged from knowledge, interest, and familiarity with First peoples’ history and culture to providing cultural support, application, and behaviour. Data were limited on outcomes of cultural competency and safety as determined by the health care recipient. Overall, the tools showed significant variability in characteristics and how cultural competency and culturally safe practice was assessed. However, data were lacking to confirm whether the enhanced cultural competency and culturally safe practice demonstrated using these self-assessment tools improved health outcomes for First Nations peoples.