Review of: Developing Cultural Competence in Physical Therapy Practice

Cultural competence of physical therapists and health care professionals minimizes cultural barriers to health care and make health services more user friendly to culturally diverse groups and subgroups, and thereby help to reduce their disproportionate burden of poor health. The Purnell Model does offer a good organizational framework for each of the ethnic or cultural backgrounds addressed. Even though the later chapters address groups or specific population groups that physical therapists work with, the authors make it clear that a specific and unique culture does exists within the group for those with disabilities. The authors have done an excellent job of challenging the reader to explore their beliefs and attitudes. The text engages the reader in appropriate reflection and special studies. Visual learners can appreciate various pictures, figures, and tables which are clear in demonstrating key points. As an academic coordinator of clinical education I would strongly recommend this text to physical therapy faculty, practitioners, and students as it highlights the importance of considering a patient's culture in physical therapy evaluation and intervention