What is Cultural Competency?

Abstract

he concept of cultural competency has been discussed in recent United Kingdom occupational therapy literature. It is suggested that there is an additional competency that the practitioner requires in order to ensure effective practice. Wells's (1996) model of multicultural competency education, consisting of knowledge, self-exploration and skills, is proposed as a tool to develop this competency. Strategies are used within the Discipline of Occupational Therapy at the University College of Ripon and York St John and these are presented within the Wells model.Using the model of multicultural competency education, Wells (1996) provides a clear framework for curriculum development and assessment. It is suggested that educational establishments are best equipped to assess the knowledge and self-exploration components of the model and that the skills component is best assessed while on fieldwork.

Practical strategies for working with indigenous people living in Queensland, Australia

“…(Participant 2) These aspects of cultural awareness seem to be consistent with Fitzgerald et al (1997) andMacDonald's (1998) descriptions of knowledge and self-exploration as components of cultural competency.…”

The Impact of Classroom Instruction on Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity in Occupational Therapy Students

“…These learned and shared patterns include values, beliefs, customs, perceptions, history, politics, attitudes, lifestyles, emotions, and behaviors (Cheung et al, 2002;Humbert et al, 2012;Rasmussen et al, 2005). It is important to understand that these patterns of learned behavior are shared by members of a group, not an individual, and are not biological in nature (MacDonald, 1998). The AOTA does not define culture in the Framework (2014).…”

“…Cultural competency is an awareness of, sensitivity to, and knowledge of the meaning of culture (Cheung et al, 2002;MacDonald, 1998;Murden et al, 2008). Whiteford and St-Clair (2002) further defined cultural competence as "the ability of a person to work effectively and negotiate successful outcomes with clients from differing cultural backgrounds than themselves" (p.130).…”

“…This study explored the concepts of cultural awareness and sensitivity as a part of developing skills for occupational therapy students towards cultural competence. The development of cultural awareness provides the occupational therapist with the knowledge to develop the skills required to deliver quality care to diverse populations with sensitivity to cultural values, beliefs, and priorities that can affect an individual's health care (MacDonald, 1998;Mu et al, 2010;Munoz, 2007;Rasmussen et al, 2005).…”

The Aware Communicator: Dialogues on Diversity

“…Knowledge about many contextual and cultural issues is disseminated through these presentations. Contextual and cultural issues include: (a) gender (e.g., Baker & McKay, 2001;Froehlich et al, 1992;Parish et al, 1990), (b) race (e.g., Black, 2002;Cena et al, 2002;Matlala, 1993;Evans, 1992a;McIntosh, 1989), (c) class (e.g., Humphry, 1995;Jongbloed, 1998), (d) religion (e.g., Farrar, 2001;Gibbs & Barnitt, 1999;Low, 1997), (e) culture (e.g., MacDonald, 1998;Evans, 1992b), (f) disability (e.g., Benham, 1988;Eberhardt & Mayberry, 1995;Elliott et al, 1992;Froehlich, 1992;White & Olson, 1998), (g) sexual orientation (e.g., Williamson, 2000;Kelly, 2000;Jackson, 1995), and (h) age (Letvak, 2002). Through participation in the article presentations, students become more adept leaders by improving their speaking and groupfacilitation skills.…”