Cultural competence in the multidisciplinary rehabilitation setting: Are we falling short of meeting needs?

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Article discusses issues relevant to rehabilitation providers who want to develop or improve their cultural competence in their practice and service delivery. Two case scenarios illustrate complex issues presented by increasing numbers of minority patients in medical rehabilitation. Professional codes of conduct and current practices regarding diversity education are discussed for 3 rehabilitation disciplines: physiatry, rehabilitation psychology, and nursing. Challenges faced by rehabilitation providers as they strive to become more culturally competent include: (1) continuing education in language and cultural issue, (2) assessment instruments appropriate for diverse patient populations, (3) majority versus minority population values and beliefs, (4) impact of the immigration and acculturation experiences, (5) health care and insurance coverage issues, (6) attitudes and beliefs about disability, and (7) past experiences with medical professionals and systems.

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