Cultural competency : perceptions of South African trained occupational therapists
Date
2013-03-18
Authors
Leendertz, Alethea Ethel
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Abstract
During occupational therapy training in South Africa, students are expected to
consider cultural differences when working with patients. This study considered the
training offered to students in terms of cultural diversity and the perceptions of 47
novice community service occupational therapists about their cultural competence as
well as how these perceptions had changed after three years of clinical practice.
Results indicate that all six participating universities offer training in cultural
diversity although university respondents feel this is affected by time, students’
attitudes and their inability to reflect. Most newly qualified occupational therapists felt
the training was adequate, although they reported difficulty in working with patients
from other cultures in clinical practice. The perceived cultural competency level of
the newly qualified respondents varied with some respondents still needing to
develop awareness and knowledge and others already extending themselves in
terms of cultural skill, encounters and cultural desire. Some used rules and
knowledge to guide their intervention and language was seen as a major barrier to
practicing culturally appropriate occupational therapy,
Three years later three respondents, who could be considered competent
occupational therapists, reported using reflection in practice enabled them to
consider culture from their clients’ unique perspective. They felt personal experience,
opportunities from classroom experiences, fieldwork exposure and professional
development activities should be used to strive toward becoming culturally
competent. The importance of having relevant resources available was highlighted.
Recommendations for occupational therapy curriculum development in terms of
cultural competence in South Africa are therefore suggested.