MEDICAL STUDENTS' SELF-REPORTED PREPAREDNESS AND ATTITUDES IN PROVIDING CARE TO ETHNIC MINORITIES

Background: To assess medical students' self-reported preparedness to provide care to ethnic minorities, factors that influence preparedness, and attitudes toward cultural competency training. Methods: A cross-sectional study, which invited University of British Columbia medical students to participate in a survey on student demographics, knowledge and awareness, preparedness and willingness, and personal attitudes. Of 1024, eligible, 301 students consented to study. Results: Students across all year levels felt significantly less ready to provide care for non-English speaking Chinese patients compared to "any" patients. Proficiency in working with interpreters was correlated with readiness, OR 4.447 (1.606-12.315) along with 3rd and 4th year level in medical school, OR 3.550 (1.378-9.141) and 4.424 (1.577-12.415), respectively. Over 80% of respondents reported interest in learning more about the barriers and possible ways of overcoming them. Conclusions: More opportunities for cultural competency training in the medical curriculum are warranted and would be welcomed by the students.