Evolution of A Practitioner's Cultural Competence and Cultural Humility With Three Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Families: A Case Study

Abstract

Purpose: The objective of this case study was to document a practitioner's evolution in cultural competence and cultural humility when delivering aural rehabilitation via telepractice to three families. Method: The participants in this study included the practitioner and three mothers residing in different countries, all receiving aural rehabilitation coaching with their children via telepractice. The practitioner implemented an eight-step process to advance her cultural competence and cultural humility. She used the Ucare self-assessment tool pre- and postintervention to assess her cultural competence. Ethnographic interviews were conducted by the first author with the mothers to ascertain their cultural perspectives. Information from these interviews led to a 3-month phase of culturally modified intervention. A second interview was conducted with the mothers to evaluate their satisfaction with the modified intervention. The practitioner repeated the self-assessment after the modified intervention phase and documented her reflections and self-critique. Results: The pre-intervention cultural competence scores revealed that the practitioner had minimal awareness of the three cultures. Post intervention scores showed some improvement in cultural competence, though they remained in the minimal awareness category. Interview data revealed that the mothers approved of the modified intervention. The practitioner's self-assessment and self-reflection and the interviews with the mothers led to an action plan to further the practitioner's cultural competence. Conclusions: The eight-step process implemented by the practitioner led to increased cultural competence scores and the mothers' satisfaction after 3 months of culturally adapted intervention. The practitioner's perception and mothers' feedback suggested that more culturally congruent care was provided. Ongoing practitioner–mother collaboration was agreed upon to facilitate the practitioner's continued advancement in cultural competence.