Introduction / Rationale: Cultural responsiveness has been recognized as a critical factor impacting health outcomes and well-being of individuals, groups, and populations around the world. Cultural factors and social determinants of health (SDOH) have been highlighted by leading healthcare entities as critical for moving the needle on national health outcomes and wellbeing.
The occupational therapy workforce has unique opportunities to respond to cultural factors and address social determinants of health where people live, learn, work, and play. Our profession through client-centered care in everyday living, community partnerships, and cultural responsiveness can inspire change and innovation for the future.
This presentation will discuss evidence-based approaches and case studies to promote workforce development in cultural responsiveness through service learning opportunities.
Objectives:
1. Participants will understand the meaning and impact of cultural responsiveness within the context of OT practice.
2. Participants will identify evidence-based strategies and opportunities to promote OT workforce development in cultural responsiveness through service learning.
Methods / Approach: An interactive presentation will be provided to discuss evidence-based strategies and case studies for OT workforce development in cultural responsiveness through service learning.
Results / Practice Implications: Participants will be able to develop an action plan with evidence-based strategies for OT workforce development in cultural responsiveness for their home communities and countries through service learning.
Conclusion / Contribution to the occupational therapy profession: Participants will be empowered to lead change and innovation in their home communities and countries through evidence-based strategies and resources with examples and potential partners for service learning and OT workforce development in cultural responsiveness.