Assessment of Self-Efficacy for Cultural Competence in Prescribing

Caring for diverse populations requires knowledge and confidence about the influence of racial, ethnic, and cultural factors on the effectiveness of medication regimens. Despite advances in cultural competence education, disparities in health care continue to exist and often adversely affect minorities and the poor. The purpose of this study was to explore family nurse practitioners' (FNPs) perception of self-efficacy regarding their abilities to make culturally competent prescribing decisions. This descriptive, correlational study used a modified version of the 12-item “Self-Efficacy for Cultural Competence” Likert-type scale developed by Assemi, Cullander, and Hudmon. The survey results from 27 FNPs in southeastern Washington indicated moderate to high levels of self-efficacy in culturally competent prescribing. Results included a significant difference in mean total self-efficacy scores between male and female practitioners. Male practitioners demonstrated significantly higher total self-efficacy scores, and they also were more likely to work in clinics with a higher percentage of clients from different cultural backgrounds than their own. The Cronbach's alpha test for reliability was 0.92, indicating high internal consistency of this revised instrument. Strengths of the study include the response rate of 63% and the fact that this sample, although predominantly white women, mirrors national nurse practitioner demographics.