Work practices of rural and remote physiotherapists

Abstract

Physiotherapists in rural and remote areas face challenges in their service delivery. The challenge is to provide accessible and comprehensive services to rural and remote Australians. Research was undertaken regarding the work practices of physiotherapists and the availability of other health professionals in rural and remote South Australia and Northern Territory. Rural and remote area physiotherapists in this study are likely to be sole practitioners with a generalist practice. The high number who have practising rights at public hospitals gives rise to service delivery with a wide range of clients and reduced opportunity for specialisation. In addition, the demand for physiotherapists to be multiskilled is increased with the lower number of resident medical specialists and allied health professionals in rural areas. Greater access to other professionals for rural and remote Australians may come from the development of resource networks supported by regional organisation of resources and infrastructure.