Journal article
Hand therapy services for rural and remote residents: Results of a survey of Australian occupational therapists and physiotherapists
Australian Journal of Rural Health, Vol.23(2), pp.112-121
2015
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to explore how interventions were provided to meet the needs of rural/ remote residents who have had a traumatic hand injury, including the coordination of services between rural/ remote and metro/regional therapists. Barriers to providing services, use of technology and professional support provided to therapists in rural/remote areas were also explored. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Setting: Metropolitan/regional and rural/remote public health facilities in Australia. Participants: Occupational therapists and physiotherapists who provide hand therapy to rural/remote patients. Main outcome measure: Quantitative and qualitative questionnaire responses analysed with descriptive statistics and inductive analysis. Results: There were 64 respondents out of a possible 185. Over half of rural/remote respondents provided initial splinting and exercise prescriptions, and over 85% reported that they continued with exercise protocols. Videoconferencing technology for patient intervention and clinical review was used by 39.1% respondents. Barriers to providing services in rural/ remote locations included transport, travelling time, limited staff, and lack of expert knowledge in hand injuries or rural/remote health care. Four major themes emerged from the open-ended questions: working relationships, patient-centred care, staff development and education, and rural and remote practice. Conclusion: The use of technology across Australia to support rural/remote patient intervention requires attention to achieve equity and ease of use. Flexible and realistic goals and interventions should be considered when working with rural/remote patients. A shared care approach between metropolitan/regional and rural/ remote therapists can improve understanding of rural/ remote issues and provide support to therapists. Further research is recommended to determine the suitability of this approach when providing hand therapy to rural/ remote residents.
Details
- Title
- Hand therapy services for rural and remote residents: Results of a survey of Australian occupational therapists and physiotherapists
- Authors
- Gail A Kingston (Author) - James Cook UniversityGary Williams (Author) - James Cook UniversityJenni Judd (Author) - Townsville HospitalMarion Gray (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
- Publication details
- Australian Journal of Rural Health, Vol.23(2), pp.112-121
- Publisher
- Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Asia
- Date published
- 2015
- DOI
- 10.1111/ajr.12141
- ISSN
- 1038-5282
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99447760702621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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