A core strength of our health delivery research is in the number of projects that focus on supporting the workforce in Aotearoa New Zealand. Our research all has a focus on addressing pathways for more equitable outcomes for the provision of health care, and support the goals and aspirations of Te Pae Tata. We also encourage research that reimagines and rethinks the potential of the workforce.
This research is closely connected with our teaching programme, ensuring we are best able to support the future workforce.
We would like to hear from anyone interested in contributing to this work. Contact: physiotherapy@otago.ac.nz
Examples of our work
Indigenous leadership: reimagining health education for & with indigenous communities
Katrina Pōtiki Bryant and Oka Sanerivi, along with their colleague Mahitsonge Nomusa Ntinga, led this Focussed Symposium at the World Physiotherapy Congress 2023 in Dubai. Katrina and Oka contribute to this symposium by their ongoing research and community work:
Katrina's work in developing Taurite Tū (led by Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou) and her leadership in Te Pōhā Rakahau Korikori have created space for indigenous leadership of health education, health delivery, and health workforce development.
Oka is the recipient of an HRC Pacific Clinical Training Fellowship to support his PhD research and career development around better supporting Physiotherapy care for Pacific families. Read a little more about his journey here. Oka's leadership has created space for pacific physiotherapy research within CHARR, celebrated at Galulue mo le lumana'i: our 2021 celebration of Pasifika Physiotherapy research.
Realising the potential of Primary Care Allied Health
This research aligns with the new models of care proposed in the reformed health system and helps realise the potential of our Aotearoa Allied Health workforce. The research is led by Chris Higgs. Chris was awarded an HRC Health Delivery Fellowship, this enabled him to dedicate a year to working in this space to better understand changes in the health care system, to create spaces for the advocacy of the role of physiotherapy, and to consider new ways in which Long Term Conditions Community Care can be best supported by Primary Care Allied Health.
Chris is now working on a project in partnership with the Health Hub Project NZ team on Transdisciplinary teams in primary care. This work is being undertaken in 2023 and is funded by an HRC Activation Grant.
If you'd like to chat about this work contact Chris: chris.higgs@otago.ac.nz
Supporting Allied Health care professionals in rural areas
Sarah Walker was awarded an HRC Clinical Training Fellowship to support a PhD study and a career development journey around better supporting health professionals working in rural health care. Sarah is in the final stages of her PhD. During her fellowship she has continued with a part time clinical role in Dunstan Regional Hospital, and has advocated for the role of Physiotherapists in rural care. Read more about Sarah's work.
Geospatial mapping for the physiotherapy workforce
Miranda Buhler's research investigates how allied health (initially physiotherapy) workforce can be better situated to equitably meet population health needs particularly for Māori, Pacific, and low socioeconomic populations. Miranda is currently conducting a physiotherapy workforce analysis using geospatial methods of 3-step floating catchment area (3SFCA) with support from collaborators at Saskatchewan University, Canada and at University of Western Australia. The research is funded by a Health Sciences Division Postdoctoral Fellowship.
Miranda was also the recipient of an HRC Health Delivery Career Fellowship for Developing a pathway of care for carpal tunnel syndrome.