Assessing Diversity and Cultural Competency Among Canadian Physiotherapists: A Cross-Sectional Survey, Part 1

Purpose: The aims of this study were to describe cultural diversity among physiotherapists, to understand the challenges to the delivery of physiotherapy to equity-seeking communities, and to measure and assess factors associated with cultural competency. Method: We conducted a cross-sectional survey (57-items) of Canadian physiotherapists that assessed demographics, cultural competency, and challenges in delivery of rehabilitation. We used backwards elimination method to develop our regression models, and cross-validated by estimating shrinkage. Results: Our sample included 808 physiotherapists (female: 77.8%). Most practitioners identified as White/Caucasian, with Indigenous populations significantly under-represented. Physiotherapists exhibited high scores in cultural awareness and sensitivity (mean 6.0/7 [95% CI: 6.0, 6.1]), with lower scores for cultural competency behaviours (mean 4.5/7 [95% CI: 4.4, 4.5]). There was a weak association between gender (men), uncertainty regarding the presence of cultural health disparities, race (White/Caucasian), prior diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training, and DEI attitudes (R ² = 0.17, p < 0.0001) with cultural awareness and sensitivity. There was also weak association between engagement in prior DEI training, cultural awareness and sensitivity scores, increased years of clinical experience and race (White/Caucasian) with culturally competent behavioural scores (R ² = 0.13, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The findings suggest the need to improve current educational structures in DEI and promote recruitment of diverse physiotherapists. This work may help policy makers and educational institutions in developing initiatives for cultural competence.