Using Innovation to Deliver Culturally Sensitive Interventions: The Alaska Experience

Audience:

All levels.

Key Points:

Through data analysis, Alaska's Tobacco Prevention and Control Program (TPC) recognized Alaska Natives as a priority population.  As a result, TPC identified strategies to reduce tobacco use among Alaska Natives, including increasing Quitline utilization, particularly for those in rural communities.

Because Quitline staff do not reside in Alaska and are unfamiliar with Alaska Native cultures, TPC sought a way to aid staff in delivering culturally sensitive interventions.  TPC and the Quitline operator, Alere Wellbeing Inc, (AWI), partnered to develop an interactive, multi-dimensional, online training for Quitline staff.

The development of the training was highly collaborative. TPC and AWI staff co-wrote the objectives; then TPC staff interviewed Alaska Natives from each region in the state to better understand their cultures and the impact of tobacco on their lives.  AWI used these interviews to inform the content and design of the training. Portions of the recorded interviews were used extensively, as well as images of Alaska Native communities.

The training is a standard component of Quitline staff education. It offers a unique opportunity to hear the voices of Alaska Natives while being exposed to their geography, cultural norms around tobacco, communication, and traditions. Feedback on this training indicates that it is creating a positive experience for both Quitline staff and participants.

Educational Experience:

Presenter will describe the Alaska experience, show the training, and review strategies used to increase the cultural sensitivity of the Quitline intervention.

Benefits:

The presentation will demonstrate innovative methods to train staff to deliver culturally sensitive interventions to disparate populations.