The development of a European elearning cultural competence education project and the creation of it’s underpinning literature based theoretical and organising framework

Abstract

The EU have set standards in relation to cultural competence, and findings from previously funded EU commission projects have illuminated an extensively developed body of knowledge in this area in relation to healthcare. Evidence from contemporary literature shows that education interventions have a positive impact on the cultural competence of health care professionals. Nonetheless, short accessible resources that can be used flexibly to support teaching and learning around cultural competence are not available across many European countries. The aim of the TransCoCon (2017-2020) project has been to develop innovative accessible multi-media learning resources to enable undergraduate nursing students and registered nurses in five countries to develop their cultural self-efficacy and cultural competence for nursing. The purpose of this paper is to describe and discuss this European ERASMUS + funded strategic partnership project (TransCoCon 2017-2020) and the creation of its underpinning theoretical and organising framework. The rationale for this guiding framework will be discussed within the context of supporting literature.