BACKGROUND:
Cultural proficiency reflects the highest level of performance and refers to excellence and sustained commitment in addressing cross-cultural issues. Recent trends, such as the changing demographics in the U.S., the Presidential Executive Order for Provision of Services to People with Limited English Proficiency, and the Healthy People 2010 mandate to reduce health disparities among racial and ethnic minorities bring the issue of cultural proficiency to the forefront. Developing a culturally proficient workforce is essential to reduce racial and ethnic immunization disparities in the U.S.

OBJECTIVE:
To compile and identify theoretical models and approaches to cultural competence and assessment tools intended to provide an opportunity for critical examination of the quality of an organization's infrastructure and efforts to develop and support policies related to diversity.

METHOD:
Extensive bibliographic research and selection of programs and strategies that incorporate culture in each of the following four main dimensions: organizational, professional development, delivery of services, and policies.

RESULT:
A multidimensional model for developing cultural competency as well as different assessment instruments potentially applicable by organizations to enhance immunization outreach and delivery in diverse communities were identified. The presenter will discuss the model, the tools, and effective strategies to achieve cultural proficiency.

CONCLUSION:
Cultural competence is a long journey with measurable milestones along the way. Cultural competency is a field with an abundance of resources where different models and assessment tools are available for health professionals and organizations. Each organization can identify the most appropriate model and assessment tool according to its structure, resources, and population they serve.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this workshop, participants should be able to define cultural competence, understand the multidimensional approaches to cultural proficiency, and identify and use different approaches to facilitate the assessment process.