Geographic distribution of occupational therapists

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Workforce Distribution
• Public Health Policy
• Occupational Therapy Services

Background:

• The equitable distribution of healthcare professionals is crucial for ensuring access to essential services.
• Occupational therapy (OT) plays a vital role in rehabilitation and daily living support.
• Geographic maldistribution of healthcare providers can exacerbate health disparities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the current distribution of occupational therapists (OTs) across U.S. counties.
• To develop and apply a methodology for assessing the appropriateness of OT distribution based on county-level requirements.
• To identify demographic and health characteristics associated with varying OT supply levels.

Main Methods:

• Developed a novel analytical method to assess OT requirements indicators by county.
• Categorized counties into three groups: no OTs, low relative supply, and high relative supply.
• Compared demographic data and health status indicators across these county groups.

Main Results:

• Significant variations in occupational therapist supply were identified across U.S. counties.
• Counties with no or low OT supply exhibited distinct demographic profiles and health needs compared to high-supply areas.
• Analysis revealed potential correlations between socioeconomic factors, health burdens, and OT availability.

Conclusions:

• The current distribution of occupational therapists in the U.S. is not uniform and presents significant geographic disparities.
• Policy interventions may be necessary to address shortages in underserved areas and optimize workforce allocation.
• Further research is warranted to understand the causal links between county characteristics and OT supply.