Occupational Therapy in Multicultural Contexts: Issues and Strategies

The profession of occupational therapy aims to recognise and value cultural diversity. The purpose of this review is to examine occupational therapy in Western multicultural contexts. First, culturally competent practice is discussed. Secondly, concepts relating to culture in two occupational therapy models (the Model of Human Occupation and the Occupational Performance Model) and in occupational science are examined. Thirdly, occupational therapy in Western multicultural contexts is examined in relation to immigrant cultural groups and indigenous cultural groups: issues, cultural variations and strategies are identified. Fourthly, the implications for occupational therapy education are discussed. In conclusion, the implications for the profession of occupational therapy are identified.