Integration of Cultural Competence in Physical Therapist Education

Background and Purpose. The purpose of this study is to describe the integration of cultural competence in a physical therapist education program. Case Description. The sample population was obtained using snowball sampling to identify physical therapist educational programs in which the faculty has significantly integrated cultural competence into their curricula. This paper outlines the process of integration of cultural competence of one program. The study involved an ethnographic, qualitative design. Data collection included document analysis, a program site visit, class observations, and interviews. Data were analyzed using an inductive constant comparative analysis. Themes were generated as they emerged from the data. Outcomes. The physical therapist education program studied integrated cultural competence in its curriculum by (1) developing a strategic plan where faculty were committed to diversity, (2) immersing faculty and students in diverse environments, (3) using artifacts, language, and teaching methods to raise diversity to a conscious level, and (4) incorporating reflection and discussion that allowed individuals to discover their own cultural values and beliefs, as well as those of others. Discussion and Conclusion. Faculty members embraced diversity and applied theory to practice, resulting in an educational model for developing culturally competent practitioners.