Cultural Respect Encompassing Simulation Training (CREST)

CREST provides training modules designed to help health care practitioners communicate more effectively with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) people.

The training is suitable for any health professional, educator or student who wants to improve communication with people from different cultural backgrounds.

CREST is a collaborative program between Victoria University and The University of Melbourne.

About CREST

Established in 2012, CREST has delivered training modules to over 10,000 participants. You'll learn communication and negotiation strategies and have opportunities to practise new skills.

Each CREST module is delivered face-to-face within a two-hour period. You'll receive simulation training and feedback on interactions with CALD and indigenous patients.

Training modules

You must first complete Module 1: Introduction to Cultural Diversity.

You may then complete one or more of the following stand-alone modules:

Module 2: Negotiating between different health beliefs
Module 3: Effective communication when English proficiency is low
Module 4: Communicating culturally sensitive issues
Module 5: Communication and Indigenous healthcare.

Who should participate

The modules are suitable for anyone who engages with, or will be engaging with, people from different cultural backgrounds. It's for people interested in improving their communication and negotiation skills such as:

practising health professionals such as general practitioners*, nurses**, pharmacists, physiotherapists and social workers
health professional course convenors in universities, colleges and other training agencies
professional educators and trainers
students.

*Each face-to-face module is approved for 4 Category 2 QI & CPD program points from the Royal College of General Practitioners.

**Online modules are endorsed by the Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association. Completion of the five online modules entitles eligible participants to claim 5 CPD hours.