The Organizational Multicultural Competence Assessment (OMCA): A tool to assess an organization's multicultural competence and adherence to the National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health and Healthcare (the National CLAS Standards)

Abstract

Objective: Behavioral health organizations must respond to the needs of increasing numbers of multicultural populations, as the world population continues to diversify. The goal of this research was to develop a measure to assess the multicultural competence of a behavioral health agency using a quick and efficient but comprehensive strategy that utilizes input from multiple staff members. Method: The Organizational Multicultural Competence Assessment (OMCA) was developed through a review of existing cultural competence assessment measures and item generation from researchers and policy makers. 469 staff from all departments of a U.S. state-operated and funded behavioral health facilities were asked by the CEO of their agency to complete the 45-item survey. Findings: Principal components analysis revealed seven factors that accounted for 64% of the variance in item responses: Governance, Policies, and Procedures; Staff Training and Service Delivery; Addressing Stigma and Discrimination; Accessibility of Services; Community Relationships; Quality, Monitoring, and Evaluation; and Human Resource Development. Items within factors showed high internal reliability. Conclusions and Implications for Practice: This measure may be used on an ongoing basis as a quality improvement tool to assess an agency or system's multicultural competence and adherence to the CLAS standards. Future research can investigate the relationship between scores on this measure and organization-level recovery oriented, client health, and person-centered outcomes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).