Evaluation Tools

HMS is utilizing the AAMC's Tool for Assessing Cultural Competence Training (TACCT) as a means for "mapping" the HMS curriculum and the points at which cultural competence training is being implemented. The TACCT, a detailed inventory of the knowledge, skills and attitudes at the heart of cultural competence, is filled out by course and clerkship directors. Their responses give us a clear picture of what is being accomplished, as well as curricular "gaps" that exist across the four years. This kind of broad curricular map will aid us as we examine cultural competence training from a developmental perspective and make decisions about how and when we expect students to meet educational objectives based on their intellectual and emotional maturation. Such a resource is invaluable as we continue to develop and integrate new cultural competence training opportunities across the four years of the curriculum.

As of May 2004, the TACCT has been distributed to course directors of all required courses and Social Medicine courses for years I and II, and to clerkship directors of all required clerkships for years III and IV. We are in the process of assisting faculty in completing the TACCT and synthesizing TACCT data.

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