Cultural competence in a primary healthcare center in Santiago de Chile: a mixed methods design

Background: The immigrant population in Chile is growing significantly, challenging the health care system's capacity to provide sensitive and effective care. Aim: To assess the cultural competence of Chilean primary health workers. Material and Methods: This mixed-methods study used a quantitative scale and semi-structured interviews to examine the cultural competence of a Chilean primary health care team in their care for the international migrant population. The study pointed to specific variables that were associated with increased cultural competence, including age, intercultural life experiences, and having received relevant training. Results: The two approaches produced largely convergent results. The dimensions of cultural competence with the highest scores on the quantitative scale were also the theoretical dimensions with the greatest discursive density in the qualitative analysis. Conclusions: The analysis provides a starting point for policies aimed at the development of cultural competence in the national scenario, suggesting a general direction to foster transcultural competence in health, such as formal training and the promotion of informal spaces of sensibilization.