Taking culture seriously: considerations for physiotherapists

Cultural diversity is increasing in Western nations. The cultural plurality of these societies has important implications for the provision of health care to patients. Physiotherapists need to be conscious of the ways in which cultural frameworks – their own and those of their patients – are played out in the clinical encounter. Cultural frameworks play a significant role in how individuals experience health, illness and disability. Cultural perspectives also inform the expectations that patients have of health care providers and contribute to shaping patient goals concerning therapy. Clinicians should strive to provide culturally sensitive care that encompasses an awareness of this reality. This article considers the influence of cultural frameworks on the provision of care to patients and suggests ways in which therapists can respond to the diverse cultural perspectives held by patients and their families.