Rural health and the role of occupational therapy

Through the use of activities which are common to the rural culture, the occupational therapist may make a contribution in rural health services. Although the rural resident suffers psychiatric and physical disorders similar to his urban neighbor, the availability and accessibility of medical services are more limited. The isolation of rural life which makes it unattractive to health and other professionals also accentuates the problems of the rural patient. The rural health clinic has been one solution to the lack of medical services. It is proposed that the occupational therapist select farm activities which are common to the patient, and adapt and direct those activities so that the patient can again function in his rural environment.