Developing a Culturally Competent Model of Occupational Therapy in Bulgaria and Kosovo

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This paper approaches the implementation of occupational therapy (OT) through a culturally competent framework specifically in Bulgaria and Kosovo. The review of the literature examined international initiatives where western-based OT was implemented into various developing communities. Through a culturally competent framework, a compilation of differences between western and Majority World cultures pertaining to OT were organized into five categories: space and time, mentalities of self-identity, community responsibility, religious philosophies, and opportunity access. The research component of this study included interviews with two leaders in the field of OT implementation in Bulgaria and Kosovo. The participants were asked questions regarding the development of OT in their respective countries through a culturally competent framework. The results were found to be consistent regarding the themes of mentalities of self-identity, community responsibility, and opportunity access. Two themes from the literature review that did not emerge were space and time and religious philosophies. Finally, three new themes emerged from the participant interviews: understanding context, creativity and resourcefulness, and autonomy in development. Based on these themes, a revised framework was created that provides context for future initiatives of OT implementation in developing communities.

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