Ruralization of students’ horizons: insights into Australian health professional students’ rural and remote placements

Abstract

IntroductionHealth workforce shortages have driven the Australian and other Western governments to invest in engaging more health professional students in rural and remote placements. The aim of this qualitative study was to provide an understanding of the lived experiences of students undertaking placements in various nonmetropolitan locations across Australia. In addition to providing their suggestions to improve rural placements, the study provides insight into factors contributing to positive and negative experiences that influence students’ future rural practice intentions.MethodsResponses to open-ended survey questions from 3,204 students from multiple health professions and universities were analyzed using two independent methods applied concurrently: manual thematic analysis and computerized content analysis using Leximancer software.ResultsThe core concept identified from the thematic analysis was “ruralization of students’ horizons,” a construct representing the importance of preparing health professional students for practice in nonmetropolitan locations. Ruralization embodies three interrelated themes, “preparation and support,” “rural or remote health experience,” and “rural lifestyle and socialization,” each of which includes multiple subthemes. From the content analysis, factors that promoted students’ rural practice intentions were having a “positive” practice experience, interactions with “supportive staff,” and interactions with the “community” in general. It was apparent that “difficulties,” eg, with “accommodation,” “Internet” access, “transport,” and “financial” support, negatively impacted students’ placement experience and rural practice intentions.ConclusionsThe study findings have policy and practice implications for continuing to support students undertaking regional, rural, and remote placements and preparing them for future practice in nonmetropolitan locations. This study may, therefore, further inform ongoing strategies for improving rural placement experiences and enhancing rural health workforce recruitment, retention, and capacity building.

New‐graduate physiotherapists' perceptions of their preparedness for rural practice

“…They concluded that the 'ruralisation of students' horizons' was the core construct that represented the importance of preparing health professional students for practice in non-metropolitan locations. 4 This preparation or 'ruralisation of horizons' was reflected by new-graduates in this study, who felt that prior exposure to the setting would enhance awareness of the adaptations required for effective practice. This is despite over half of the cohort having previously lived in a rural or remote setting, suggesting that specific health care relevant exposure might be beneficial.…”

“…Smith et al 4 provided an understanding of the lived experience of students across a range of disciplines undertaking placements in various non-metropolitan locations across Australia. They concluded that the 'ruralisation of students' horizons' was the core construct that represented the importance of preparing health professional students for practice in non-metropolitan locations.…”

“…This finding is of particular importance as improving rural experiences through appropriate preparation can enhance rural health workforce recruitment and retention. 4…”

“…3 The influence of these rural and remote variables on new-graduate physiotherapists is paramount as negative experiences can result in burn out and higher workforce attrition. 4 Comparatively, considerable research has been undertaken in relation to the challenges experienced by new-graduate nurses working in rural and remote locations. Calleja et al 5 identified that the challenges typically faced by new-graduate nurses when transitioning to practice were exacerbated in rural and remote settings.…”

Where Would Final Year Dental Students Like to Work as Opposed to Where They Will Work?

“…Studies have shown the shortage of health care professionals working in Australia, predominantly in rural Australia, though the main focus of these studies has been on shortages and the maldistribution of doctors (2)(3)(4)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14). Some of these studies have also included allied health professionals (12,13), but dental professionals appear underrepresented in the literature (3,15,16).…”