Cultural sensitivity in physiotherapy – How to meet a Roma client

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to provide a guide for physiotherapists about Finnish Roma culture, especially concerning Roma women. Being aware of the key concepts of Roma culture gives more tools for the physiotherapists during the whole physiotherapy process. The object is to bring essential and significant cultural factors from the perspective of physiotherapy that can be considered from the perspective of high-quality care with evidence-based guidelines. The aim is therefore to create a code of conduct that understands the Roma culture and clarifies and facilitates the physiotherapy.

International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) contextual factors (personal and environmental) are discussed in the thesis for providing a more comprehensive picture when the client belongs to any ethnic minority.

I hope this thesis opens the challenges of Roma people are having as health care clients and gives cultural information for Finnish physiotherapist to understand cultural key concepts of Roma to improve the quality of provided service.