Mapping the Physiotherapy Profession in Saskatchewan: Examining Rural versus Urban Practice Patterns

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Rural Health
• Physiotherapy Workforce Analysis

Background:

• Access to healthcare services, particularly physiotherapy, is a significant challenge for individuals in rural and remote areas.
• Understanding the characteristics and distribution of healthcare professionals is crucial for addressing geographical disparities in care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare demographic, professional, and clinical characteristics of rural versus urban physiotherapists in Saskatchewan.
• To map the geographical distribution of physiotherapists across Saskatchewan.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study utilizing de-identified data from the 2013 Saskatchewan College of Physical Therapists membership renewal.
• Data linkage with the Saskatchewan Physiotherapy Association's 2012 membership list and clinical instructor records.
• Rural and urban practice locations were determined by postal code analysis.

Main Results:

• Only 11.2% of physiotherapists in Saskatchewan reported a primary rural employment location.
• Higher densities of physiotherapists per capita were observed in urban health regions.
• Rural physiotherapists were more likely to engage in direct patient care, serve all age groups, and have mixed client levels, but less likely to be SPA members.

Conclusions:

• Significant differences exist in the practice and professional profiles of rural and urban physiotherapists in Saskatchewan.
• Findings have implications for health human resource policies concerning recruitment and retention in rural areas.
• The study highlights the need for advocacy to ensure equitable access to physiotherapy services in rural and remote regions.