Allied health in Central Australia: Challenges and rewards in remote area practice

The aim of this descriptive study, undertaken in 1997, was to examine the professional environment and work practices of physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech pathologists in public sector positions in Central Australia. All therapists identified in these positions were interviewed. The study indicates that incumbents value specific professional benefits associated with remote area practice, particularly the opportunity to work with Aboriginal people. However these recruiting advantages are diminished by a lack of management support - a key factor in the high turnover of staff. The findings of this study have implications for the development of strategies to improve support, and thereby retention, of allied health professionals and other workers in remote areas.