Ms Karen Hayes

qualifications: Master Health Science (Education)

contribution: Study conception and design, Acquisition of data, Analysis and interpretation of data, Drafting of manuscript

position: Lecturer in Occupational Therapy

You know how it is almost impossible to get occupational therapists in rural areas? My research examines where the occupational therapists in Australia actually are, the types of things that attract them to go there, and how we can get more to go rural. In fact, I am building a profile of the type of person that thrives in rural areas, and the knowledge and skills they have, so we can target the right students and teach them the right things to not just go rural, but to succeed and stay. Despite, dare I say, 'urban' myths (pun intended) that non-urban people and places are backward and boring, I have found non-urban communities are vibrant and connected, and to contribute so much to our nation’s senses of identity, economy, and social fabrics. However, people living non-urban spaces experience poorer health outcomes, income, and opportunity. This limits the choices of people in non-urban areas, in particular, access to health and disability care. I aim to redress this injustice by examining rural occupational therapy practice; including the occupational needs, services provided in rural areas, mapping therapist locations, service gaps, and innovative rural practice. I aim to influence service design policy to increase the access for non-urban people to occupational therapy services. While government policies moved away from recognition of rural/urban symbiosis, businesses remain impacted and experiencing increasing difficulty finding skilled workers to live/work rurally. Choosing to potentially decrease one’s quality and length of life is not something most people would willingly do. Health services are particularly impacted, and while funding has been provided, lack of staff means it is not used. Excellent health services support a healthy workforce available for businesses to thrive. Working in a regional university provides the privilege of working with many rural and regional occupational therapists and students. I have opportunities to develop new knowledge and educational strategies which support students success both at university and the workplace. I am participating in PhD research to develop skills in rigorous knowledge development with the support of experienced researchers. I aim to use this knowledge to oppose stereotypes of rural spaces, people, and employment and promote the diversity and value of rural communities and the reciprocity between rural and urban health and wellbeing.

Dr Kristy Coxon

contribution: Study conception and design, Acquisition of data, Analysis and interpretation of data, Drafting of manuscript, Critical revision

position: Senior Lecturer in Occupational Therapy

A/Prof Rosalind Bye

contribution: Study conception and design, Acquisition of data, Analysis and interpretation of data, Drafting of manuscript, Critical revision

position: Director of Academic Program (Occupational Therapy)

Associate Professor Rosalind Bye has been an occupational therapy academic and researcher for over 30 years, contributing to the growth of the occupational therapy profession in Australia through her work. Ros currently holds leadership roles in the School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, NSW.