What is Cultural Competency?

Abstract

The concept of cultural competency has been discussed in recent United Kingdom occupational therapy literature. It is suggested that there is an additional competency that the practitioner requires in order to ensure effective practice. Wells's (1996) model of multicultural competency education, consisting of knowledge, self-exploration and skills, is proposed as a tool to develop this competency. Strategies are used within the Discipline of Occupational Therapy at the University College of Ripon and York St John and these are presented within the Wells model. Using the model of multicultural competency education, Wells (1996) provides a clear framework for curriculum development and assessment. It is suggested that educational establishments are best equipped to assess the knowledge and self-exploration components of the model and that the skills component is best assessed while on fieldwork.