Tackling health inequalities in UK Physiotherapy : Why cultural competence matters

May, P. and Connell, L. and Middlebrook, N. and Yeowell, G. (2025) Tackling health inequalities in UK Physiotherapy : Why cultural competence matters. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 78: 103343. ISSN 2468-8630

Abstract

Health inequalities, avoidable, unjust differences in health outcomes, are driven by intersecting social and economic factors, including ethnicity and disability. While the NHS promotes patient-centred care as a strategy to reduce these disparities , the distinct role of cultural competence is often under-explored. Cultural competence goes beyond tailoring care to individual preferences; it requires healthcare professionals to acknowledge systemic bias, reflect on their own cultural identity, and adapt practice in ways that address diversity and discrimination. This paper differentiates cultural competence from patient-centred care and argues that without explicit attention to culture, equity-oriented care risks falling short. It also highlights the lack of UK-based research in this area and calls for systematic investigation into how cultural competence is understood, practiced, and evaluated across UK physiotherapy settings.