Using Embedded Encounters to Promote Cultural Humility in Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy Education

Allison Naber, University of South DakotaFollow
Amanda Adamson, University of South DakotaFollow
Patti Berg-Poppe, The University of South DakotaFollow
Moses Ikiugu, University of South DakotaFollow
Hanz Tao, University of South DakotaFollow
Kory Zimney, University of South DakotaFollow

Document Type (Journals)

Educational Innovations

Abstract

In the socio-cultural theoretical perspectives, learning is approached as a constructed outcome of interpersonal and intercontextual exchanges. Learners both influence and are influenced by the social and cultural milieu within which they are situated. Embedded learning draws from this perspective to prompt learning through lived experiences. Fostering cultural humility and an appreciation for cultural congruence is an important goal in occupational and physical therapy education. Embedded experiences provide rich opportunities for students to reflect on their own experiences and the experiences of others in order to understand and value differences. In this article, we report the findings of curricular shifts in which intentionally designed and facilitated cultural encounters were incorporated into several curricular courses. Outcomes indicated an improved awareness of diversity and equity as well as an appreciation for individual circumstances that impact on health outcomes.

Biography

Allison Naber, OTD, OTR/L, CLT-LANA is an Assistant Professor in Occupational Therapy at the University of South Dakota. She teaches upper extremity content, environmental influences, and professional identity content. Research interests include the use of meaningful occupations to promote occupational performance among adults and occupational therapy education.

Amanda Adamson, PT, DPT, OCS, CAPP-Pelvic is an Assistant Professor in Physical Therapy at the University of South Dakota. She teaches content related to professionalism/ethics, pelvic health, and differential diagnosis and pathophysiology of the musculoskeletal system. Research areas include pelvic health, cultural encounters, professional behaviors and stress management.

Patti Berg-Poppe, PT, MPT, PhD is professor and Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of South Dakota. She teaches motor control and motor learning, content in neurologic PT, and pediatrics. Her primary research includes motor control in special adult and pediatric populations.

Moses N. Ikiugu, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA is Professor and Director of Research in the occupational therapy program, University of South Dakota. He has 35 years of experience as an occupational therapist and teaches research and psychosocial courses. His research is on the nature of meaningful occupations and occupational therapy theory.

Hanz Tao, PT, DPT is an Assistant Professor in Physical Therapy at the University of South Dakota. He teaches health education, movement science, and musculoskeletal content. His primary research includes running biomechanics and running-related injuries.

Kory Zimney, PT, DPT is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of South Dakota. His primary line of scholarly inquiry is in pain neuroscience and therapeutic alliance. He teaches content in musculoskeletal care related to the spine, neuroscience, and evidence-based practice.

Declaration of Interest

The authors report no declarations of interest.

Recommended Citation

Naber, A., Adamson, A., Berg-Poppe, P., Ikiugu, M., Tao, H., & Zimney, K. (2021). Using Embedded Encounters to Promote Cultural Humility in Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy Education. Journal of Occupational Therapy Education, 5 (1). https://doi.org/10.26681/jote.2021.050113