Growth and Challenges in Developing Cross-Cultural Competence and Leadership in Physical Therapy Students via Virtual Education: A Mixed-Methods Study

Nearly one in five people in the U.S. speaks a language other than English at home, highlighting the need for student physical therapists (SPTs) to develop cross-cultural communication skills. This mixed-method study explored barriers and facilitators to cross-cultural interaction and examined whether virtual educational sessions could enhance SPTs' cultural competence and leadership development. Twenty-three SPTs from Taiwan and the U.S. completed a survey assessing cross-cultural competence, leadership, and prior experiences. Eleven participants joined a four-session virtual intervention featuring educational videos and guided discussions on physical therapy topics from both countries. Participants completed post-session reflections and questionnaires on cultural competence, leadership efficacy, and communication comfort. Survey results showed significant correlations between cross-cultural competence and leadership efficacy. After the intervention, participants reported improved comfort with cross-cultural communication. Identified barriers included language differences, unfamiliar topics, time zones, and fear of making mistakes. The study demonstrates that virtual cross-cultural interactions might positively impact SPTs' communication confidence and leadership skills.