Psychological needs and resources as perceived by rural and urban psychologists.

Abstract

Practicing psychologists in rural and urban Oregon were surveyed about their perceptions of psychological needs and resources in their communities. Both groups indicated the most salient unmet community needs as adequate access to appropriately trained medication prescribers, comprehensive psychological assessment services, and psychological services for children. When compared with urban communities, those in rural communities have more difficulties with accessing all professional services, and rural psychologists have access to fewer professional resources. However, there appear to be few differences between perceived needs and resources in rural and urban communities. Psychologists who practice in these communities perceive a strong need for more access to psychological services in both settings.

The Provision of Neuropsychological Services in Rural/Regional Settings: Professional and Ethical Issues

“…There are long waiting lists of up to six months and extensive traveling distances for clients referred for neuropsychological services and clinicians working in the region. Furthermore, in their survey of psychologists practicing in Oregon, Campbell et al (2006) found that rural psychologists were more likely to report fewer available psychological assessment services than their urban counterparts. Due to limited specialist health care providers, both rural psychologists and neuropsychologists may rapidly …”

“…Living and working in a rural or regional setting means longer travel distances for clients and clinicians, resulting in greater expenditure of time and money compared with metropolitan settings (Barbopoulos & Clark, 2003;Campbell et al, 2006). The greater cost of fuel is also evident in regional areas.…”

“…Professional isolation is a common complaint expressed by psychologists working in rural or remote communities (Campbell et al, 2006;Coyle, 1999;Helbok, 2003;Roberts et al, 1999;Schank, 1998). Rural neuropsychologists are continually faced with the challenge of accessing and maintaining a network of professionals to…”

“…A characteristic inherent in rural communities is the limited availability of resources, especially psychology and neuropsychology services (Campbell, Kearns, & Patchin, 2006;Judd & Humphreys, 2001;Roberts, Battaglia, & Epstein, 1999;Schank, 1998;Turchik et al, 2007). Within Australia for example, rural dwellers, defined as individuals living outside of cities with populations greater than 250,000, comprise 34% of the population (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2006).…”

“…With such limited numbers of specialized health care professionals within rural communities, those practicing in such areas may be prone to a ''generalist'' view of care (Campbell et al, 2006;Craig;Hargrove, 1986;Helbok, 2003;Roberts et al, 1999). The implication is that rural psychologists and neuropsychologists are more likely to be approached to assist individuals with a vast range of problems, which may be highly complex in nature and not within their broad area of expertise.…”