Cultural Competence and Cultural Humility: A Dialogue on Adopting a Multimodel Approach in Physical Therapist Education

Abstract

Background and Purpose. Integrating the concepts of cultural humility and cultural competence into physical therapy (PT) practice may reduce health care disparities and improve patient-centered care. Although several frameworks exist for teaching physical therapist students about cultural competence and cultural humility, discussion about which framework is comprehensive enough to capture the complexity of this topic is unresolved. The purpose of this position paper was to raise awareness in physical therapist and physical therapist assistant (PTA) education about existing frameworks of cultural competence and cultural humility and present a rationale for the inclusion of both in educational approaches. Position and Rationale. This article examines the concepts of cultural competence and cultural humility, explores the differences between these 2 concepts, and provides a rationale for integrating both theoretical constructs into PT and PTA education. Discussion and Conclusion. Cultural competence and cultural humility frameworks are evolving and so should faculty member approaches to teaching this content to PT students. Contemporary pedagogy requires a focused lens through which to prepare students for incorporating cultural awareness into clinical care to avoid potential cultural mismatches. Creating a new framework that synthesizes the principles of cultural competence and cultural humility may encourage more inclusivity. Cultural pedagogy has the potential to improve the patient experience and health outcomes by empowering students to provide care that is sensitive to important patient cultural differences.