Factors affecting occupational therapy job site selection in underserviced areas

Area of Science:

• Occupational Therapy
• Rural Health
• Human Resources

Background:

• Rural and isolated regions, such as Northern Ontario, often face challenges in providing adequate occupational therapy services.
• Recruitment and retention of occupational therapists in these underserved areas present unique difficulties.
• Limited understanding exists regarding the specific factors influencing occupational therapists' decisions to work in remote locations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the key factors influencing occupational therapists' job site selection in Northern Ontario.
• To identify factors that affect the retention of occupational therapists in rural and isolated practice settings.
• To differentiate between factors driving recruitment and those promoting long-term retention.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire was developed based on seven potential factors: family proximity, place of origin, lifestyle, fieldwork placements, job opportunities, and recruitment tours.
• The questionnaire was distributed to all facilities employing occupational therapists in Northern Ontario.
• A response rate of 70% was achieved, with 28 therapists providing data.

Main Results:

• The primary factors influencing job site selection for occupational therapists in Northern Ontario were identified as lifestyle, job opportunities, partner's employment, and family proximity, in descending order.
• The study revealed a distinction between factors that attract therapists to a location and those that encourage them to stay.
• Specific incentives for retention were identified, including financial support for equipment, continuing education, and improved salaries.

Conclusions:

• Recruitment strategies should highlight the appealing aspects of Northern Ontario and target individuals with existing family ties to the region.
• Retention strategies should focus on tangible benefits such as financial incentives for professional development, better compensation, and improved working conditions.
• Addressing the unique challenges of rural practice is crucial for enhancing occupational therapy service delivery in underserved areas.