Module 4, Lecture 2

Physiotherapy Practice in Canada

Cultural Competence

Objectives of this Lecture

1 Describe what is meant by cultural competence

2 Explain why cultural competence is important in clinical

practice

3 Describe the process of working towards cultural

competence
 Cultural Competence

● Cultural competence is a complex

topic that is well beyond the scope
of this course.

● The goal is to raise awareness about

cultural competence and why this is
important to physiotherapy practice
in Canada.

The Camphina-Bacote Model

“the process in which the healthcare

professional continually strives to achieve
the ability and availability to effectively
work within the cultural context of a
patient.”
(Camphina- Bacote 1999)
 The Cross’ Model

“a set of congruent behaviors, attitudes,

and policies that come together in a
system, agency, or among professionals
that enables effective work in
cross-cultural situations.”
(Cross et al 1989)

Common Principles in Definitions

Cultural competence is a
developmental process not a
state of being.
 Common Principles in Definitions

Having some ability to work

effectively in a cross cultural
situation.

Canada is Multicultural Society

200
different
ethic groups

1 in 5 1 in 3
born outside will be a visible
Canada minority by 2031
 What this Means for Physiotherapists

Patients will come from a variety

of different ethnic and cultural
backgrounds all with various
values, beliefs, religions, and
viewpoints on the world and how
illness and injury affect their
health and disability.

Cultural Competence - Patient Safety

Mistakes have been made due to

cultural misunderstandings.
 Developing Cultural Competence

Wanting to Engaging in
become culturally becoming more
competent culturally competent

The Camphina-Bacote Model of Cultural Competence

Cultural
Knowledge
Cultural Cultural
Awareness Skills

Cultural Cultural
Desire Encounters
 Cultural Desire

The desire to become culturally

competent. Asks the question “do I
really want to be culturally
competent”

Self-reflection - Cultural Desire

Pause the presentation.

List three or four reasons why you

should become more culturally
competent.
Cultural Awareness

Being aware of your personal values

and beliefs towards cultural groups.
Asks the question “am I aware of my
biases and prejudices towards other
cultural groups, as well as racism and
other isms in health care.”

Cultural Awareness

Self awareness is a conscious

examination of your own
personal and professional
values, beliefs, lifestyle and
health practices and how
these impact your interactions
with patients from different
cultural backgrounds.
Cultural Awareness

Without awareness there is

always the risk of imposing your
own values on the patient during
the encounter or making
stereotypical assumptions about
your patient.

Cultural Knowledge

Asks the question “do I have the

knowledge about the beliefs and
worldviews of different cultural and
ethnic groups.”
 Cultural Knowledge - Health and Illness

Some may hold western Others may hold more

beliefs holistic, spiritual or
mystical beliefs

Cultural Knowledge - Health and Illness

Acquiring cultural knowledge

allows the physiotherapist to
gain more confidence in their
problem solving abilities when
dealing with patients from
different cultural backgrounds
and beliefs.
 Cultural Skills

Asks the question “do I have the skills

to conduct a physiotherapy
assessment in a culturally sensitive
manner?”

Cultural Skills - Examples

In some cultures it may not be

permissible for a woman to be
touched by a male physiotherapist
without her husband being present.
Seeking Cultural Encounters

This encourages the physiotherapist

to directly engage in face-to-face
cultural interactions and other types
of encounters with people from
culturally diverse backgrounds.

Seeking Cultural Encounters

There is some evidence that seeking

cultural encounters is the most
effective means to improve cultural
competence.
The Camphina-Bacote Model of Cultural Competence

Cultural
Knowledge
Cultural Cultural
Awareness Skills

Cultural Cultural
Desire Encounters

Do Not Stereotype Individuals

It is also important to remember

that although you will encounter
patients from many different ethnic
and cultural backgrounds, patients
are also individuals. You cannot
assume that these individuals hold
the beliefs and values stereotypically
associated with these cultures.
Cultural Competence Resources

● You are strongly encouraged to seek

out resources that can help to
enhance your cross cultural
interactions in a health setting.

● You’ll find some links to resources in

cultural competence posted on the
course eClass website.

In Review
1 Working as a physiotherapist in Canada requires you to develop
and hone your cultural competence.

1 Working as a physiotherapist in Canada requires you to develop

and hone your cultural competence.

2 Developing cultural competence is a process not a state of being

1 Working as a physiotherapist in Canada requires you to develop
and hone your cultural competence.

2 Developing cultural competence is a process not a state of being

Use the Campinha-Bacote Model of Cultural Competence to get

3 you thinking about your cultural knowledge and skills

1 Working as a physiotherapist in Canada requires you to develop

and hone your cultural competence.

2 Developing cultural competence is a process not a state of being

Use the Campinha-Bacote Model of Cultural Competence to get

3 you thinking about your cultural knowledge and skills

This involves improving your cultural awareness, acquiring

4 cultural knowledge, developing skills to provide a culturally
sensitive encounter, and seeking out cultural encounters.
Thank you for listening