When it comes to understanding the diverse patients that occupational therapists (OTs) and occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) treat, being a patient advocate and using therapeutic use of self is vital. There is an interpersonal component OTs, and OTAs must be aware of, a language component if English is not the patient’s spoken language, and a cultural component to consider if the patient comes from a different ethnic and cultural background. It has been a challenge to find a continuing education course in which occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants can meet these needs and cover the patient’s treatment from initial evaluation to the time of discharge with a focus on the Latin patient population culture and Spanish language, which may function as cultural and language barriers throughout the therapies provided. Participating in a continuing education unit course that focuses on cultural sensitivity for the Latin patient will provide additional education that may be lacking in OT/OTA program curricula, as well as supplement the education received about cultural competence. Identifying the barriers and limitations when treating the Latin population is essential, facilitating possible and practical solutions to increase the quality of OT/OTA patient care. A continuing education course has been developed for occupational therapy practitioners to enhance their knowledge on cultural sensitivity and how to treat the Latin patient focusing on identified barriers and solutions while centered aroundthe Model of Human Occupation to address patient needs.
