Cultural competence in occupational therapists working in early intervention therapy programs

Background. Cultural competence promotes equity in health care outcomes and ensures that occupational therapists support clients in culturally relevant daily activities. However, it is unclear to what extent occupational therapists in early intervention therapy (EIT) settings practise cultural competence. Purpose. To explore how occupational therapists working in EIT settings work towards cultural competence in practice. Methods. Qualitative methods in the ethnographic tradition were used to explore five occupational therapists' experiences of working with culturally diverse clients. Findings. Four major themes emerged from the data: (1) learning about culture; (2) applying cultural knowledge; (3) reflecting on culture; (4) family-centred partnerships. The first three themes occurred as a dynamic learning process within the context of family-centred partnerships. The findings corresponded with existing models; however, discussions lacked critical examination of power relationships. Implications. Occupational therapists could develop cultural competence further by engaging in reflexive practice and taking actions to promote equity in healthcare outcomes.