CULTURAL COMPETENCY OF THE INTERPROFESSIONAL TEAM IN BURN CARE THROUGH AN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY MODEL
Date of Award
2025
Document Type
Scholarly Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Department
Occupational Therapy
First Advisor
Mandy Meyer
Abstract
Purpose: Burn injuries are considered one of the most devastating injuries globally (Farzan et al., 2023). Those suffering from serious burns are likely to be affected in all areas of life (physical, social, mental, emotional, spiritual, environmental, intellectual, and psychological) (Abrams et al., 2016). Some of these impacts include changes in appearance, social isolation, stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, employment, financial burden, and family problems. These are devastating outcomes are seen throughout diverse populations (Nair & Adetayo, 2019). As diverse populations are rising, an increase in equitable medical care is needed (Peters et al., 2022). Education and increasing awareness of culturally competent health care in the burn care setting will decrease ethnic discrepancies and increase accessible and acceptable care (Handtke et al., 2019; Latif, 2020). The goal of this project is to educate healthcare professionals in a burn care setting on cultural competency. The materials in this resource are intended to increase culturally competent care and promote quality of life amongst patients.
Methodology: The theoretical principles of the Ecology of Human Performance informed the scholarly product (Dunn, 2017). A detailed literature review, assessment of needs, clinical experience in the burn care setting, and collaboration with interdisciplinary team members determined strengths and barriers of developing cultural competency within the burn center care team. Physical resources were created to foster health professionals’ education of cultural competency in the burn care setting.
Results: The materials created consist of resources for educating cultural competence along with cultural handouts. Resources were shared through an online and physical toolkit titled Cultural Competency Toolkit: A Guide for the Burn Center Care Team. Cultural handouts were also provided in hard copy to the burn unit at the facility.
Conclusion: This resource was intended to educate cultural competency in healthcare professionals in the burn care setting. The materials provided aimed to improve patient outcomes by providing culturally competent care to patients who’ve suffered a burn injury. Therefore, throughout the use of this resource, healthcare professionals will have support to maintain and gain cultural competency in the burn care setting.
Recommended Citation
Wiest, Brooklyn, "CULTURAL COMPETENCY OF THE INTERPROFESSIONAL TEAM IN BURN CARE THROUGH AN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY MODEL" (2025). Occupational Therapy Capstones. 650.
https://commons.und.edu/ot-grad/650