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You Y, Xie A, Cleland J. Medical students' rural practice intention: Academic performance matters. MEDICAL EDUCATION 2022; 56:1203-1213. [PMID: 35953464 DOI: 10.1111/medu.14918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Many countries are driving forward policies and practices to train medical students for later rural practice. Previous research has investigated individual (e.g., rural upbringing) and structural factors (e.g., curricular exposure) associated with rural practice intention. However, the relationship between academic performance in medical school and rural practice intention has been neglected, although optimisation theory suggests there may be a relationship. To address this gap, our aim was to identify the relationship between academic performance and rural practice intention. METHODS Data were collected via a cross-sectional (self-report) survey in 2021. Participants were students from 60 of the 96 rural order directed (RODs) medical programmes across China. We asked students their rural practice intention. We conducted univariate analyses to test for associations between rural practice intention and independent variables, including socio-demographics, ROD location, grade year and academic performance measures. We used multilevel logistic regression models to test whether students' academic performance in medical school could be used to predict rural practice intention, holding the other factors constant. RESULTS There were 13 123 respondents, representing roughly 77.6% of the student population from the 60 schools. There was a statistically significant relationship between student (self)-reported academic performance in medical school and rural practice intention. Higher performers had a lower likelihood (ORs: 0.65-0.78) of rural practice intention. This held across all performance measures (GPA rank, academic awards and student leadership) and for the sub-group with rural upbringing (ORs: 0.68-0.78). DISCUSSION This is the first study to identify a relationship between medical school performance and rural practice intention. The findings suggest that students maximise their utility when choosing career options, with higher performers having lower rural practice intention. These data provide insight into the complexity of medical career decision making and can be used by medical school and workforce planners to inform rural training, recruitment and retention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- You You
- Institute of Medical Education/National Center for Health Professions Education Development, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Economics of Education, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Ana Xie
- Institute of Medical Education/National Center for Health Professions Education Development, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jennifer Cleland
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore
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Dymmott A, George S, Campbell N, Brebner C. Experiences of working as early career allied health professionals and doctors in rural and remote environments: a qualitative systematic review. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:951. [PMID: 35883068 PMCID: PMC9327222 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08261-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Maintaining a health professional workforce in rural and remote areas poses a significant challenge internationally. A range of recruitment and retention strategies have had varying success and these are generally developed from the collective experience of all health professions, rather than targeted to professional groups with differing educational and support contexts. This review explores, compares and synthesises the evidence examining the experience of early career rural and remote allied health professionals and doctors to better understand both the profession specific, and common factors that influence their experience. Methods Qualitative studies that include early career allied health professionals’ or doctors’ experiences of working in rural or remote areas and the personal and professional factors that impact on this experience were considered. A systematic search was completed across five databases and three grey literature repositories to identify published and unpublished studies. Studies published since 2000 in English were considered. Studies were screened for inclusion and critically appraised by two independent reviewers. Data was extracted and assigned a level of credibility. Data synthesis adhered to the JBI meta-aggregative approach. Results Of the 1408 identified articles, 30 papers were eligible for inclusion, with one rated as low in quality and all others moderate or high quality. A total of 23 categories, 334 findings and illustrations were aggregated into three synthesised findings for both professional groups including: making a difference through professional and organisational factors, working in rural areas can offer unique and rewarding opportunities for early career allied health professionals and doctors, and personal and community influences make a difference. A rich dataset was obtained and findings illustrate similarities including the need to consider personal factors, and differences, including discipline specific supervision for allied health professionals and local supervision for doctors. Conclusions Strategies to enhance the experience of both allied health professionals and doctors in rural and remote areas include enabling career paths through structured training programs, hands on learning opportunities, quality supervision and community immersion. Systematic review registration number PROSPERO CRD42021223187. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-08261-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Dymmott
- Flinders University Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Stacey George
- Flinders University Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Narelle Campbell
- Flinders University Northern Territory, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Chris Brebner
- Flinders University Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Terry D, Peck B, Baker E, Schmitz D. The Rural Nursing Workforce Hierarchy of Needs: Decision-Making concerning Future Rural Healthcare Employment. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9091232. [PMID: 34575006 PMCID: PMC8467652 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9091232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Addressing nursing shortages in rural areas remains essential, and attracting nursing graduates is one solution. However, understanding what factors are most important or prioritized among nursing students contemplating rural employment remains essential. The study sought to understand nursing student decision-making and what aspects of a rural career need to be satisfied before other factors are then considered. A cross-sectional study over three years at an Australian university was conducted. All nursing students were invited to complete a Nursing Community Apgar Questionnaire to examine their rural practice intentions. Data were analyzed using principal component analysis, and mean scores for each component were calculated and ranked. Overall, six components encompassed a total of 35 items that students felt were important to undertake rural practice after graduating. Clinical related factors were ranked the highest, followed by managerial, practical, fiscal, familial, and geographical factors. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs provided a lens to examine nursing student decision-making and guided the development of the Rural Nursing Workforce Hierarchy of Needs model. Each element of the model grouped key factors that students considered to be important in order to undertake rural employment. In culmination, these factors provide a conceptual model of the hierarchy of needs that must be met in order to contemplate a rural career.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Terry
- School of Health, Federation University Australia, Ballarat 3350, Australia;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-3-5327-8577
| | - Blake Peck
- School of Health, Federation University Australia, Ballarat 3350, Australia;
| | - Ed Baker
- Center for Health Policy, Boise State University, Boise, ID 83725, USA;
| | - David Schmitz
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58202, USA;
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Doyle C, Isles C, Wilson P. Time to revisit the skills and competencies required to work in rural general hospitals. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240211. [PMID: 33031438 PMCID: PMC7544037 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the structure and demographic of medical teams working in Rural General Hospitals (RGHs) in Scotland, and to gain insight into their experiences and determine their opinions on a remote and rural medical training pathway. DESIGN Structured face-to-face interviews. Interviews were partially anonymised, and underwent thematic analysis. SETTING Medical departments of the six RGHs in Scotland 2018-2019. PARTICIPANTS 14 medical consultants and 23 junior doctors working in RGHs in Scotland. Inclusion criteria: Present at time of site visit, medical consultant in an RGH or junior doctor working in an RGH who provides care for medical patients. Exclusion criteria: Doctors on leave or off shift. Medical consultants with less than one month of experience in post. Non-medical specialty consultants e.g. surgical or anaesthetic consultants. RESULTS Of 21 consultant posts in the RGHs, only eight are filled with resident consultants, the remainder rely on locums. Consultants found working as generalists rewarding and challenging, and juniors found it to be a good training experience. Consultants feel little professional isolation due to modern connectivity. The majority of consultants (12/14) and all junior doctors favour a remote and rural medicine training pathway encompassing a mandatory paediatrics component, and feel this would help with consultant recruitment and retention. CONCLUSION RGHs medical departments are reliant on locum consultants. The development of a remote and rural training medical training pathway is endorsed by the current medical teams of RGHs and has the potential to improve medical consultant staffing in RGHs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cormac Doyle
- Department of Medicine, Gilbert Bain Hospital, Lerwick, Shetland, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Isles
- Department of Medicine, Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, Dumfries, United Kingdom
| | - Pauline Wilson
- Department of Medicine, Gilbert Bain Hospital, Lerwick, Shetland, United Kingdom
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Kumwenda B, Cleland JA, Prescott GJ, Walker KA, Johnston PW. Geographical mobility of UK trainee doctors, from family home to first job: a national cohort study. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2018; 18:314. [PMID: 30572878 PMCID: PMC6302291 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-018-1414-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The UK faces geographical variation in the recruitment of doctors. Understanding where medical graduates choose to go for training is important because doctors are more likely to consider practicing in areas where they completed postgraduate training. The wider literature also suggests that there is a relationship between origin and background, and where doctors wish to train/work. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the geographical mobility of UK medical graduates from different socio-economic groups in terms of where they wish to spend their first years of postgraduate training. METHODS This was an observational study of Foundation Programme (FP) doctors who graduated from 33 UK medical schools between 2012 and 2014. Data was accessed via the UK medical education database (UKMED: https://www.ukmed.ac.uk/ ). Chi-square tests were used to examine the relationships between doctor's sociodemographic characteristics and the dependent variable, average driving time from parental home to foundation school/region. Generalised Linear Mixed Models (GLMM) were used to estimate the effects of those factors in combination against the outcome measure. RESULTS The majority of doctors prefer to train at foundation schools that are reasonably close to the family home. Those who attended state-funded schools, from non-white ethnic groups and/or from lower socio-economic groups were significantly more likely to choose foundation schools nearer their parental home. Doctors from disadvantaged backgrounds (as determined by entitlement to free school meals, OR = 1.29, p = 0.003 and no parental degree, OR = 1.34, p < 0.001) were associated with higher odds of selecting a foundation schools that were closer to parental home. CONCLUSION The data suggests that recruiting medical students from lower socioeconomic groups and those who originate from under-recruiting areas may be at least part of the solution to filling training posts in these areas. This has obvious implications for the widening access agenda, and equitable distribution of health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Kumwenda
- Institute of Education for Medical and Dental Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Jennifer A. Cleland
- Institute of Education for Medical and Dental Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Gordon J. Prescott
- Medical Statistics Team, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Kim A. Walker
- Institute of Education for Medical and Dental Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
- NHS Education for Scotland and UK Foundation Programme Office, Forestgrove House, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, UK
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Ucinski T, Dolata G, Hełminiak R, Fischer L, Fleßa S, Brehmer B, Viert A, Grundmann V, Rehberg S, Krügel K, Partecke M, Brinkrolf P, Hahnenkamp K, Meissner K. Integrating cross-border emergency medicine systems: Securing future preclinical medical workforce for remote medical services. Best Pract Res Clin Anaesthesiol 2018; 32:39-46. [PMID: 30049337 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpa.2018.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The European Union intends to enable its citizens to interact across borders in relevant areas of society and culture to further integrate neighboring regions. Medicine has not been at the core of recent EU-funded efforts in central Europe, partially due to significant differences in health care administration, delivery, reimbursement, and culture. However, impeding changes in social structure and centralization of specialized care warrant changes in preclinical administration of medical care, which are already transforming practices across developed countries in central Europe. Moreover, demographic and social changes are transforming not only patients but also health care providers, thus leading to an increased need for specialized medical personnel, particularly in regions close to formerly secluding borders. The EU-funded cooperation project presented in this article is located in the Euroregion Pomerania, which consists of northeastern Germany and northwestern Poland. This project emerged because of the need to solve practical emergency medicine-related problems for many years, which brought partners together. Unfortunately, administrative and medical interaction has not become significantly easier with Poland joining the Schengen area in 2007 and, subsequently, initial international contracts regarding, among other things, emergency medicine being negotiated and signed thereafter. Three different interdependent areas of cooperation within the project deal with key aspects of an improved and eventually integrated cooperation. An accepted clarification of administrative and legal foundations - or the lack and thus the need thereof - needs to be defined. Specialized language and simulation-based education and practice sessions employing modern technology throughout will be introduced to the entire region. Finally, the pre-existing and developing acceptance and sustainability aspects of personnel involved in the aforementioned actions and stakeholders on both sides of the border will be evaluated. In essence, the project focuses on a multimodal improvement of professional cooperation of key providers of emergency medicine services in the Euroregion Pomerania. Thereby, it aims to improve infrastructure; interpersonal and professional skills of involved personnel, administrative, and cultural relations; and eventually identification of specialized personnel with their workplace and region to secure and retain important medical workforce in an otherwise remote area on both sides of a formerly secluded border.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Ucinski
- Klinik für Anästhesiologie, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Grzegorz Dolata
- Wojewódzka Stacja Pogotowia Ratunkowego Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Robert Hełminiak
- Lotnicze Pogotowie Ratunkowe, Oddział Szczecin, Szczecin-Goleniów, Poland
| | - Lutz Fischer
- Klinik für Anästhesiologie, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany; Eigenbetrieb Rettungsdienst, Landkreis Vorpommern-Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Steffen Fleßa
- Lehrstuhl für Allgemeine Betriebswirtschaftslehre und Gesundheitsmanagement, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Universität Greifswald, Germany
| | - Bernhard Brehmer
- Institut für Slawistik, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Universität Greifswald, Germany
| | - Armin Viert
- Rettungsdienst Märkisch-Oderland GmbH, Bad Freienwalde, Germany
| | | | - Sebastian Rehberg
- Klinik für Anästhesiologie, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Kathrin Krügel
- Klinik für Anästhesiologie, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Maud Partecke
- Klinik für Anästhesiologie, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Peter Brinkrolf
- Klinik für Anästhesiologie, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany; Eigenbetrieb Rettungsdienst, Landkreis Vorpommern-Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Klaus Hahnenkamp
- Klinik für Anästhesiologie, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Konrad Meissner
- Klinik für Anästhesiologie, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.
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Roberts A, Philip L, Currie M, Mort A. Striking a balance between in-person care and the use of eHealth to support the older rural population with chronic pain. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2015; 10:27536. [PMID: 26336996 PMCID: PMC4559664 DOI: 10.3402/qhw.v10.27536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
New and existing information communication technologies (ICT) are playing an increasingly important role in the delivery of health and social care services. eHealth1 has the potential to supplement in-person home visits for older, rural adults with chronic pain. The Technology to support Older Adults' Personal and Social Interaction project—TOPS—examines interactions between older people and their health/social care providers and considers how eHealth could play a part in enhancing the life experiences of older people with chronic pain, who live in remote/rural areas. This paper reports findings from the TOPS study, drawing upon observations of health/social care home visits to chronic pain patients and interviews with patients and health/social care providers in rural Scotland. Patients and care professionals believe in-person care promotes the general well-being of older people with pain. However, our findings show that the potential recipients of eHealth are open to the use of such technologies and that although they cannot be expected to replace existing models of care, eHealth may provide opportunities to sustain and enhance these interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Roberts
- Centre for Rural Health, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK;
| | - Lorna Philip
- Department of Geography and Environment, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Margaret Currie
- Social, Economic and Geographical Sciences Group, The James Hutton Institute, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Alasdair Mort
- Centre for Rural Health, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
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Walters L, Laurence CO, Dollard J, Elliott T, Eley DS. Exploring resilience in rural GP registrars--implications for training. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2015; 15:110. [PMID: 26134975 PMCID: PMC4487989 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-015-0399-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2014] [Accepted: 06/19/2015] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Resilience can be defined as the ability to rebound from adversity and overcome difficult circumstances. General Practice (GP) registrars face many challenges in transitioning into general practice, and additional stressors and pressures apply for those choosing a career in rural practice. At this time of international rural generalist medical workforce shortages, it is important to focus on the needs of rural GP registrars and how to support them to become resilient health care providers. This study sought to explore GP registrars' perceptions of their resilience and strategies they used to maintain resilience in rural general practice. METHODS In this qualitative interpretive research, semi-structured interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using an inductive approach. Initial coding resulted in a coding framework which was refined using constant comparison and negative case analysis. Authors developed consensus around the final conceptual model. Eighteen GP registrars from: Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine Independent Pathway, and three GP regional training programs with rural training posts. RESULTS Six main themes emerged from the data. Firstly, rural GP registrars described four dichotomous tensions they faced: clinical caution versus clinical courage; flexibility versus persistence; reflective practice versus task-focused practice; and personal connections versus professional commitment. Further themes included: personal skills for balance which facilitated resilience including optimistic attitude, self-reflection and metacognition; and finally GP registrars recognised the role of their supervisors in supporting and stretching them to enhance their clinical resilience. CONCLUSION Resilience is maintained as on a wobble board by balancing professional tensions within acceptable limits. These limits are unique to each individual, and may be expanded through personal growth and professional development as part of rural general practice training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Walters
- Flinders University Rural Clinical School, PO Box 3570, Mount Gambier, SA, Australia.
| | - Caroline O Laurence
- Discipline of General Practice, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia.
| | - Joanne Dollard
- Discipline of General Practice, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia.
| | - Taryn Elliott
- Adelaide to Outback GP Training Program, 183 Melbourne Street, North Adelaide, SA, 5006, Australia.
| | - Diann S Eley
- School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, 288 Herston Road, Herston, QLD, 4006, Australia.
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Understanding shortages of sufficient health care in rural areas. Health Policy 2014; 118:201-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2014.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Revised: 07/07/2014] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Stalmeijer RE, Mcnaughton N, Van Mook WNKA. Using focus groups in medical education research: AMEE Guide No. 91. MEDICAL TEACHER 2014; 36:923-39. [PMID: 25072306 DOI: 10.3109/0142159x.2014.917165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 306] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Qualitative research methodology has become an established part of the medical education research field. A very popular data-collection technique used in qualitative research is the "focus group". Focus groups in this Guide are defined as "… group discussions organized to explore a specific set of issues … The group is focused in the sense that it involves some kind of collective activity … crucially, focus groups are distinguished from the broader category of group interview by the explicit use of the group interaction as research data" (Kitzinger 1994, p. 103). This Guide has been designed to provide people who are interested in using focus groups with the information and tools to organize, conduct, analyze and publish sound focus group research within a broader understanding of the background and theoretical grounding of the focus group method. The Guide is organized as follows: Firstly, to describe the evolution of the focus group in the social sciences research domain. Secondly, to describe the paradigmatic fit of focus groups within qualitative research approaches in the field of medical education. After defining, the nature of focus groups and when, and when not, to use them, the Guide takes on a more practical approach, taking the reader through the various steps that need to be taken in conducting effective focus group research. Finally, the Guide finishes with practical hints towards writing up a focus group study for publication.
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Skaalvik MW, Gaski M, Norbye B. Decentralized nursing education in northern Norway: a basis for continuing education to meet competence needs in rural Arctic healthcare services. Int J Circumpolar Health 2014; 73:25328. [PMID: 25279355 PMCID: PMC4163579 DOI: 10.3402/ijch.v73.25328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Revised: 08/15/2014] [Accepted: 08/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ensuring a sufficient nursing workforce, with respect to both number and relevant professional competencies, is crucial in rural Arctic regions in Norway. This study examines the continuing education (CE) of nurses who graduated from a decentralized nursing programme between 1994 and 2011. OBJECTIVE This study aims to measure the extent to which the decentralized nursing education (DNE) in question has served as a basis for CE that is adapted to current and future community health care service needs in rural Arctic regions in northern Norway. More specifically, the study aims to investigate the frequency and scope of CE courses among the graduates of a DNE, the choice of study model and the degree of employment with respect to the relevant CE. DESIGN This study is a quantitative survey providing descriptive statistics. RESULTS The primary finding in this study is that 56% of the participants had engaged in CE and that they were employed in positions related to their education. The majority of students with decentralized bachelor's degrees engaged in CE that was part time and/or decentralized. CONCLUSIONS More than half of the population in this study had completed CE despite no mandatory obligation in order to maintain licensure. Furthermore, 31% of the participants had completed more than one CE programme. The findings show that the participants preferred CE organized as part time and or decentralized studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Wolff Skaalvik
- Department of Health and Care Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Margrete Gaski
- National Centre of Rural Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Bente Norbye
- Department of Health and Care Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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Norbye B, Skaalvik MW. Decentralized nursing education in Northern Norway: towards a sustainable recruitment and retention model in rural Arctic healthcare services. Int J Circumpolar Health 2013; 72:22793. [PMID: 24286063 PMCID: PMC3841299 DOI: 10.3402/ijch.v72i0.22793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2013] [Revised: 10/25/2013] [Accepted: 10/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Decentralized nursing education (DNE) was established at Tromsø University College in 1990 and has since become a part of the bachelor programme in nursing at UiT The Arctic University of Norway. The objective of the study was to investigate whether and to what degree the first DNE programme established in Norway has contributed to recruitment and retention of registered nurses (RNs) in rural healthcare services. Methods The quantitative survey took place in 2012. A questionnaire was distributed to 315 former students who had graduated from the DNE programme from 1994 to 2011. Results The primary finding of this study is that the DNE successfully recruits students from rural areas of Northern Norway. Nearly, 87.5% have their first employment in community healthcare services. They continued to work in the rural areas and 85% still worked as nurses in 2012. The DNE programme has been successful regarding recruitment and retention of RNs to community healthcare services. Fifty-six percent have attended a variety of postgraduate programmes. Conclusion The DNE programme demonstrates itself as a successful study model regarding recruitment and retention of RNs to rural and remote areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bente Norbye
- Department of Health and Care Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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