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Matching patients with therapists in culturally diverse rehabilitation services during civil unrest

  • Management and Policy Paper
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Abstract

A primary consideration in rehabilitation is the compatibility between clinicians and patients, where cultural diversity is a defining feature for both. The intricacies of cultural considerations in patient-clinician matching are heightened in areas of conflict and civil unrest. This paper presents three perspectives of the significance of cultural considerations in such assignments: patient-centred approach - prioritizing patients’ preferences; professional-centred approach - clinicians’ safety, social-emotional, and training needs; and utilitarian approach - what is best for the majority. A case study from an Israeli rehabilitation clinic is presented to exhibit the multifaceted considerations in patient-clinician matching within areas of conflict and civil unrest. The reconciliation of these three approaches in the context of cultural diversity is discussed, suggesting the benefit of a case-by-case strategy involving combinations of the three. Further research could examine how this might feasibly and beneficially optimize outcomes for all in culturally diverse societies in times of unrest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Institute for the Study of University Pedagogy, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Rd, L5L 1C6, Mississauga, ON, Canada

    Stuart B. Kamenetsky

  2. Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada

    Vanessa Chen

  3. Department of Psychology, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel

    Eyal Heled

  4. Department of Neurological Rehabilitation and ‘Steps’ Outpatient Clinic, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel

    Eyal Heled

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  1. Stuart B. Kamenetsky
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Correspondence to Stuart B. Kamenetsky.

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Kamenetsky, S.B., Chen, V. & Heled, E. Matching patients with therapists in culturally diverse rehabilitation services during civil unrest. Int J Health Econ Manag. (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10754-023-09359-8

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