Preparing occupational therapy students for practice in rural areas: a scoping review protocol

Area of Science:

• Occupational Therapy Education
• Rural Health Workforce Development

Background:

• Occupational therapists are concentrated in urban areas, limiting access to care in rural regions.
• This maldistribution negatively impacts health outcomes for rural populations.
• Preparing students for rural practice is crucial for recruitment and retention in underserved areas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of strategies used by educational institutions worldwide.
• To describe the range and scope of preparation methods for occupational therapy students targeting rural practice.
• To inform curriculum development and enhance rural workforce capacity.

Main Methods:

• Systematic search of multiple databases (MEDLINE, Emcare, PsycInfo, CINAHL, ERIC, etc.).
• Inclusion of publications on strategies for preparing occupational therapy students for rural practice.
• Screening and data extraction by independent researchers, analyzed using a matrix framework.

Main Results:

• The review will categorize preparation strategies based on timing (pre-enrollment, during program, post-graduation).
• Data on study types, student demographics, and geographical distribution will be presented.
• A narrative summary will synthesize findings related to the review's objectives.

Conclusions:

• Findings will illuminate current educational approaches for rural occupational therapy practice.
• The results aim to guide the enhancement of curricula to better prepare students for rural settings.
• This research supports efforts to address the rural-urban disparity in occupational therapy services.