BACKGROUND:
Cultural competency training programs have been implemented in many countries to ensure safe and high-quality maternity care services for migrant women.

OBJECTIVES:
This study describes the adaptation and efficacy of the Operational Refugee and Migrant Maternal Approach (ORAMMA) cultural competency program to the Icelandic context.

METHODS:
Adaptation of the training program involved translation of material and critical review of the ORAMMA teaching material by midwives with experience in providing care for migrant women in Iceland. These changes were described. To assess efficacy, a mixed-methods design was implemented. Twelve midwives and 15 midwifery students participated in the training. First, cultural competency was evaluated before and after training with a questionnaire. Wilcoxon and McNemar tests were used to compare scores. Then, semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted one month after training. Data were analysed through qualitative descriptive analysis.

RESULTS:
The adaptation of the program required the incorporation of research, laws, regulations, healthcare services, and social support specific to Iceland, but no structural changes were made. After training, participants had statistically significantly higher median scores in self-perceived cultural competency (Med = 24 vs. 25), skills (Med = 6 vs. 5), attitude (Med = 9 vs. 7) and knowledge (Med = 22 vs 18). Qualitative descriptive analysis revealed themes of “practical and useful information”, “more understanding and empathy” and “increased confidence”.

CONCLUSIONS:
The findings show that the program can be successfully adapted to a Nordic context and improve midwives’ cultural competency. They may inform policy and practice regarding the implementation of cultural competency training programs.

KEY MESSAGE:
Cultural competence programs can increase midwives’ skills, knowledge, empathy and confidence and address inequities in maternity care. Poster session 3 (Group B)