“Small Steps for Big Changes (SSBC) is an evidence-based diabetes prevention program delivered in the community by community members. SSBC coaches are trained through a 3-hour online course where they learn about Cultural Safety, Motivational Interviewing, and evidence-based diet and exercise topics.
Recent events have shown the need to take anti-racist action to ensure health interventions are not just accessible to all but optimize the efficacy of care provide by preventative health programs. The November 2020 report released by the BC government “In Plain Sight” has highlighted the inequitable healthcare that Indigenous peoples receive in this province. It became clear that the SSBC coaches need to be given training on cultural safety and inclusivity. The cultural safety and inclusivity module was developed by a multi-disciplinary research team based on expertise and a review of the literature.
The aims of this study are to test the efficacy of the Cultural Safety component of the SSBC online training course and to test the acceptability of the module among coaches. The efficacy and acceptability will be tested in a pilot study with future program coaches. The measures for testing efficacy and acceptability will be developed based on previous relevant, reliable, and valid measures from the literature. The pilot study will be presented to participants in an online survey format. By testing the efficacy and acceptability of the SSBC Cultural Safety module we will be able to determine if the brief Cultural Safety module, presented in a digital education platform, can effectively educate SSBC coaches on how to provide culturally safe care.
This project will address In Plain Sight recommendation 20 that “A refreshed approach to anti-racism, cultural humility and trauma-informed training for health workers be developed and implemented, including standardized learning expectations for health workers at all levels, and mandatory, low barrier components”. This project will also address Call to Action 23 part iii from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada to “provide cultural competency training to all health-care professionals”. “
