Background: Disparities in care access and outcomes for health conditions where physiotherapy is poised to play a major role (such as musculoskeletal diseases, cardiovascular illnesses and neurological disorders) excessively burden rural populations, Māori and Pacific peoples, and those with higher socioeconomic deprivation. However, the distribution of the physiotherapy workforce relative to these populations is not known.
Purpose: To evaluate the accessibility of the physiotherapy workforce in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) relative to Māori, Pacific, rural and high socioeconomic deprivation populations.
Methods: This cross-sectional population-based study geocoded physiotherapy workforce data for 5,582 physiotherapists (92% of the 6,038 registered physiotherapists at March 2022) and integrated these with 2018 NZ Census data to generate 'accessibility scores' for each Statistical Area 2 (SA2) using the distance-based 3-step floating catchment area method. Demographic characteristics of rurality, Māori ethnicity, Pacific ethnicity, and socioeconomic deprivation were categorised, cross tabulated with accessibility scores, and thematically mapped using geospatial software.
Results: The mean practitioner : population ratio was 11.88 per 10,000. Wanaka/Queenstown, inland central Canterbury, and Tauranga were the areas of highest accessibility (up to 26/10,000). North Island areas in the Mid-central, west and northern Northland, and the East Coast were the major areas of low accessibility (<0.94 to 9.06 per 10,000) and higher proportion rural, Māori, Pacific, or high deprivation.
Conclusions: NZ has an above-average physiotherapy-to-population ratio compared with other OECD countries however this workforce is maldistributed. This study identified specific areas of physiotherapy workforce shortage, and potential over supply.
Implications: Available levers should be used to mobilise the physiotherapy workforce to meet population health needs more equitably. A minimum workforce data set, linked to location of care delivery is necessary to gain more than a snapshot and to include important aspatial variables such as type of care, and affordability.

Background:
Occupational health (OH) physiotherapists contribute to health and wellbeing through prevention and management of work-related injuries and illnesses. They collaborate with individuals and organizations to identify and eliminate occupational hazards whilst meeting the needs of workplaces and stakeholders (McAulay et al., 2023).

Purpose:
These guidelines define what an Occupational Health (OH) Physiotherapist in New Zealand does, the core skills, roles and competencies. This innovative guide is a first in New Zealand Physiotherapy providing both clear practice and career development guidance. Also aiming to elevate the quality of OH practice and promote its value in business and education sectors.

Methods:
Seven experienced OH physiotherapists recruited from the OHPG SIG collaborated over 18 months. The group extensively researched and consulted with international and local industry experts including Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand, Tae Ora Tinana, The International Federation of Physiotherapists working in Occupational Health and Ergonomics (IFPOHE) to maximise credibility to support our profession’s growth both nationally and internationally.

Results:
The guideline document produced outlines the core skills of an OH physiotherapist progressions through one’s career. Different areas of OH physiotherapy are highlighted including ethical and professional practice, communication, collaboration, education, and leadership. Case studies are used to illustrate these skills in practice. The guidelines link with relevant legislation, standards, and acts, also outlining essential knowledge and working relationships within OH physiotherapy.

Conclusion:
OH physiotherapists offer unique expertise in understanding workplace context and the relationship with health and function. They play a vital role in injury prevention and rehabilitation, bridging clinical and workplace settings for informed and successful health outcomes.

Implications:
These guidelines mark an innovative step in physiotherapy, defining OH physiotherapy in New Zealand for the first time. They serve as a valuable resource for professional development and position New Zealand as a leader in this field internationally.