Effectiveness of the New York State Office of Mental Health Core Curriculum: direct care staff training.

The purpose was to study the New York State Office of Mental Health's Core Curriculum training program. The 3-day program included recipient recovery principles, team training, cultural competence, clinical issues, and safety. Exit questionnaires were completed by 3,732 staff members. Additionally, samples of staff and recipients of inpatient care completed pre- and posttraining questionnaires and the Ward Atmosphere Scale. Staff sampled also completed the Work Environment Scale. The training was well attended and well received. There were statistically significant increases in communication and interaction, respect for recipients of inpatient care, and increases in cultural competence levels.