Treatment across cultures: Is there a model?

Abstract

Aims: The increase of cultural diversity in countries worldwide impacts on health-care providers, who are required to provide culturally-appropriate care to patients from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. Cultural differences may impact both on treatment processes and patient responses to treatment. This article aimed to explore how cultural issues and cultural sensitivity uniquely infl uence the rehabilitation process of individuals from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds; and give an insight into cross-cultural issues pertaining to health-care delivery from an American physical therapy perspective. Content: A literature review on issues facing health-care providers—;specifi cally physical therapists—;in delivery of culturally-appropriate care was undertaken. Key areas are discussed and a culturally sensitive treatment model for health-care providers to use when working with CALD patients is proposed. Discussion and conclusions: A review of the literature revealed limited research in this area from physical rehabilitation disciplines; although there was an encouraging proportion of articles on the culture-oriented trend in professional education. It is suggested that professional education of physical therapists should include a cultural component; focusing on particular cultures, culturally sensitive behaviour based on knowledge of cultures, and assistance with return to work or pre-morbid activities. Piloting of the proposed model is suggested to add to the literature in this area.