48 Developing and implementing diversity competence training in medical education – how to overcome the global challenges?

Abstract WKS 17: Developing and implementing diversity competence training in medical education – how to overcome the global challenges?, Auditório B1 (FCSH), September 4, 2025, 14:45 - 15:45 Rationales and Purpose Diversity competence is understood as a concept and framework aimed at educating health professionals to interact with and deliver healthcare effectively and respectfully to diverse populations. Implementing diversity competence training is challenging due to unclear definitions and learning content, issues with organization, limited support and resources and shortage of qualified teachers. The workshop helps participants developing and implementing diversity competence training by presenting cases and discussing approaches and processes that facilitate implementation, overcome institutional barriers and support enduring change. Methods of Workshop The concept of diversity competence is introduced (Allan Krasnik) followed by three case presentations. Experience from USA is presented on a humanities program that promotes cultural respect and understanding, reduces bias, and empowers community advocacy among healthcare professional trainees (Ana Maria Lopez). A presentation from Cyprus demonstrates how challenging cases encountered by doctors can inform the diversity and cultural competence curriculum in medical training (Costas Constantinou). A Danish case illustrates use of a scenario-based didactic online game for preparing medical educators for teaching students from diverse backgrounds (Janne Sørensen). Based on Mentimeter responses by participants common challenges and solutions will be discussed. Projected Learning Outcomes The participants will gain competences in recognizing and coping with barriers and facilitators in the process of integrating diversity competence training in medical education and thereby be better equipped for developing new and creative educational approaches to ensuring inclusive and diversity sensitive health care.