Implementing Cultural Safety and Anti-Racism Training in Master of Public Health Curricula: A Multi-Institutional Case Study and Practical Self-Assessment Tool.

Abstract

Racism and colonialism operate as social determinants of health, contributing to inequities among Indigenous Peoples. To counteract these inequities, national and global calls to action have emphasized the need for cultural safety and anti-racism within healthcare. Higher education plays a crucial role in preparing an equipped workforce and shaping professional culture, making it essential to embed cultural safety and anti-racism training into the learning pathways of future health professionals. This study examined the determinants shaping the uptake and implementation of cultural safety and anti-racism training in Master of Public Health (MPH) programs across three universities within one Canadian province. Data were collected through key informant interviews, focus groups, and document analysis. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) guided comprehensive analysis of the barriers and facilitators influencing how these training interventions are being put into practice. Findings highlighted similarities and variations in cultural safety and anti-racism training approaches across MPH curricula, highlighting the evolving nature of this training. The study underscores the need for multi-level action that addresses individual, institutional, and systemic challenges, while leveraging existing strengths. The significance of this research lies in its potential to inform curriculum reform, pedagogical practice, policy development, and professional culture in public health and related disciplines. To support academic units, a self-assessment tool developed from the findings offers a structured framework to reflect on and enhance efforts in implementing cultural safety and anti-racism training.