An investigation of therapy student's perceptions of cultural awareness

Abstract

Cultural awareness is recognized as an essential skill for the effective practice of physiotherapy and occupational therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the perceptions of cultural awareness of 274undergraduate physiotherapy and occupational therapy students. A self administered questionnaire adapted and modified from Cheung et al (2002) was used. More than half of the students recognized the influence of cultural factors on the assessment and intervention process and the functional ability of the client. The majority of the students believed that the level of cultural awareness could be influenced by education (92%, 104/113) and placement experience (98%, 110/113). Students rated themselves to be ignorant or to having limited awareness of the sources of information and access to language translation services. This study highlights the need to address the challenges of working in a multicultural society within the curriculum and equip the students with the skills required to work in a multicultural society.

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

“…Research has indicated that occupational therapy practitioners acknowledge the need to understand and develop cultural awareness and competency as a part of education and clinical practice (Cheung et al, 2002;Kale & Hong, 2007;Mu et al, 2010;Munoz, 2007;Murden et al, 2008;Rasmussen et al, 2005;Whiteford & St-Clair, 2002). Research shows that cultural awareness and competency are an evolving and developing process, yet continues to be "one of the least developed aspects of occupational therapy" (Awaad, 2003, p.358;Black & Wells, 2007).…”

“…As the multicultural population of the United States increases, all health care providers must effectively interact with clients from culturally diverse settings (Masin, 2011). Cultural awareness and the development of cultural competency is vital to effective occupational therapy practice and providing services to these diverse populations (Kale & Hong, 2007;Mu, Coppard, Bracciano, Doll, & Matthews, 2010). Occupational therapy practitioners must be aware of and respond to cultural differences that influence clients' occupational performance, assessments, and intervention outcomes (Murden et al, 2008;Rasmussen, Lloyd, & Wielandt, 2005).…”

Test-retest reliability evaluation of the Escala de Conciencia Cultural para Estudiantes de Terapia Ocupacional en América Latina (ECCETO) Cultural Awareness Scale for Occupational Therapy Students in Latin America

“…These differences provided the impetus to develop a new scale to assessing cultural awareness in Latin America, based on recently published theoretical data and empirical data collected from local practitioners (CASTRO; DAHLIN-IVANOFF; MÅRTENSSON, 2016a, b). The use of the two instruments in research also differs as since publication, the CASQ has been used in four related studies, whereas the ECCETO has not been used (CASTRO; DAHLIN-IVANOFF; MÅRTENSSON, 2016a;CHERRY et al, 2009;CHEUNG;SHAH;MUNCER, 2002;KALE;SWEE HONG, 2007;MURDEN et al, 2008;RASMUSSEN et al, 2005). Further investigation is required with larger groups of students to fully compare both instruments.…”

“…Further exploration should also focus on the development of similar scales for practitioners and faculties, and in other regions outside English-speaking countries, where the currently available scale has been designed and implemented (CHERRY et al, 2009;CHEUNG;SHAH;MUNCER, 2002;KALE;SWEE HONG, 2007;MURDEN et al, 2008;RASMUSSEN et al, 2005). Socio-historical conditions and practice contexts for occupational therapists also need to be addressed when research is being designed (GUAJARDO; KRONENBERG; RAMUGONDO, 2015).…”

“…The Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity Questionnaire (CASQ), is an instrument initially developed for English occupational therapy students (CHEUNG;SHAH;MUNCER, 2002). Its psychometric properties have been tested and it has been used in studies in the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia (CHERRY et al, 2009;CHEUNG;SHAH;MUNCER, 2002;KALE;SWEE HONG, 2007;MURDEN et al, 2008;RASMUSSEN;LLOYD;WIELANDT, 2005).…”