“Stepping up to the plate”: Identifying cultural competencies when providing health care to Canada’s military and Veteran families

Abstract

Introduction: Military family life is characterized by frequent relocations, regular periods of separation, and living with the persistent risk of injury or death of their military family member. The cumulative effects of these life events impact the health and wellness of military and Veteran families (MVFs) and may be exacerbated by challenges of accessing and navigating new health care systems when families relocate or when confronted with health care providers (HCPs) un aware of their experiences. Developing cultural competency in HCPs has been found to be beneficial to both the service provider and the ser vice user. The purpose of this study is to identif y cultural competencies for HCPs who work with MVFs. Methods: We completed a qualitative study using critical incident one-on-one inter views with HCPs. We used framework analysis for data analysis. Results: In total, we completed nine inter views with HCPs who have experience working with MVFs. Cultural competencies were identified in the domains of cultural awareness, cultural sensitivity, cultural knowledge, and cultural skills. Evidence also indicates the role of the ecological context on the ability of HCPs to be culturally competent. Discussion: Necessary competencies have been identified when providing culturally com petent care to MVFs. The results highlight the need for MVF cultural competency training during pre-service health professional curricula and continuing education. We have acknowledged the need for policy and regulatory changes to facilitate the access and utilization of culturally informed health care. Finally, the cultural competencies identifi ed will contribute to the development of an MVF cultural competency model for HCPs working in Canada.

Enhancing occupational therapy service provision with military veterans through policy reform: Findings from a national survey

“…Training in trauma‐informed practice is also recommended to ensure former service members can access services that support management of trauma symptoms and prevent re‐traumatisation (Benjamin et al, 2019; Mihelicova et al, 2018). Given the limited number of occupational therapists reporting prior military service, training to develop military cultural competence is indicated to ensure values, skills and beliefs developed during military service are incorporated in the therapy process (Atuel & Castro, 2018; Tam‐Seto et al, 2019).…”

“…Internationally, evidence‐based interventions used by occupational therapists include sleep hygiene, vocational and life skills training, mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy (MBCT), mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR), goal‐directed therapy and social and leisure participation (Brininger et al, 2019; Edgelow et al, 2019; Kerr et al, 2020). These interventions have a common goal of enhancing participation in meaningful occupations (Brininger et al, 2019), however, require use of trauma informed therapy and development of military cultural competence (Edgelow & Cramm, 2020; Tam‐Seto et al, 2019). Military cultural competence is defined as the capacity to draw from knowledge about military culture and experiences and reflect on one's own attitudes and beliefs to provide therapy that is responsive to the unique needs of this group (Atuel & Castro, 2018).…”

Reimagined connection: New possibilities for virtual mental health support for children and youth of public safety personnel affected by operational stress injuries

“…4 Awareness has been raised by mental health professionals and the Govern ment of Canada regarding issues of access to care for PSP resulting from inadequate funding, lack of access to evidence-based prevention programs, 32 and a civilian health care system that is often unaware of the realities of life faced by PSP. 33,34 The compounded challenges experienced by children and youth in PSP families re quire that they receive customized and evidenced-based care to support their mental health needs. These life re alities, therefore, necessitate accessible, innovative, and effective mental health care options for military-and PSP-connected young people.…”