Becoming culturally sensitive: A painful process?

Objective: To discuss how midwifery students develop cultural sensitivity Design: Students carried out international observational elective placements and 13 matched self assessments from before and after a Global Midwifery Module were compared. The module is based around a model of immersion and permitted measured responses and qualitative evaluation to be explored. Settings: Observational placements occurred in UK, America, Canada, Gutamala Participants: Seventeen year 3 midwifery students Findings: Raised awareness about international midwifery was identified; the module contributed to enhancement of practice, confidence about caring for those from a different culture varied, the process of critical reflection was uncomfortable for some. Key conclusions: Critical reflection facilitated in a safe place may support individuals to transform their way of thinking. Implications for practice: Responsibility for developing cultural sensitivity should lie with the individual. However, leaders need to facilitate space for critical reflection. Critical self assessment and reflection about cultural sensitivity should be part of a life long learning approach.