Thomas, Yvonne, and Clark, Michelle (2007) The aptitudes of allied health professionals working in remote communities. International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation, 14 (5). pp. 216-221.

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Abstract

This study aimed to identify the aptitudes required in allied health professionals working in three different service delivery models serving remote locations in Northern tropical Australia. Eighteen allied health professionals including; dietetics, diabetes educators, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychology, podiatry, social work and speech pathology participated in this exploratory study using a narrative approach. A range of aptitudes were identified and themed under the following headings: (I) being organized but flexible, (2) cooperation and mediation, (3) culturally aware and accepting communicators, (4) knowing the community, (5) resourcefulness and resilience and (6) reflectivity. Limiting factors were also deduced. Three of the themes are discussed in this paper. The study found that allied health professionals working in remote settings identified as important personal attributes not necessarily valued in metropolitan settings. Recruitment processes and education programs need to recognize the importance of personal attributes as well as professional skills.

Item ID:	2674
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1741-1645
Keywords:	allied health; recruitment; personal aptitudes; rural and remote practice; health professional education
Related URLs:	http://www.ijtr.co.uk/cgi-bin/go.pl/libr...
Date Deposited:	26 Aug 2009 03:35
FoR Codes:	11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1103 Clinical Sciences > 110399 Clinical Sciences not elsewhere classified @ 70% 11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1117 Public Health and Health Services > 111717 Primary Health Care @ 30%
SEO Codes:	92 HEALTH > 9202 Health and Support Services > 920201 Allied Health Therapies (excl. Mental Health Services) @ 70% 92 HEALTH > 9205 Specific Population Health (excl. Indigenous Health) > 920506 Rural Health @ 30%
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