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BMC Health Services Research
Published in: BMC Health Services Research 1/2020

Open Access 01-12-2020 | Research article

How does GP training impact rural and remote underserved communities? Exploring community and professional perceptions

Authors: Katerina Kanakis, Louise Young, Carole Reeve, Richard Hays, Tarun Sen Gupta, Bunmi Malau-Aduli

Published in: BMC Health Services Research | Issue 1/2020

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Abstract

Background

Substantial government funding has been invested to support the training of General Practitioners (GPs) in Australia to serve rural communities. However, there is little data on the impact of this expanded training on smaller communities, particularly for smaller rural and more remote communities. Improved understanding of the impact of training on underserved communities will assist in addressing this gap and inform ongoing investment by governments and communities.

Method

A purposive sample of GP supervisors, GP registrars, practice managers and health services staff, and community members (n = 40) from previously identified areas of workforce need in rural and remote North-West Queensland were recruited for this qualitative study. Participants had lived in their communities for periods ranging from a few months to 63 years (Median = 12 years). Semi-structured interviews and a focus group were conducted to explore how establishing GP training placements impacts underserved communities from a health workforce, health outcomes, economic and social perspective. The data were then analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Participants reported they perceived GP training to improve communities’ health services and health status (accessibility, continuity of care, GP workforce, health status, quality of health care and sustainable health care), some social factors (community connectedness and relationships), cultural factors (values and identity), financial factors (economy and employment) and education (rural pathway). Further, benefits to the registrars (breadth of training, community-specific knowledge, quality of training, and relationships with the community) were reported that also contributed to community development.

Conclusion

GP training and supervision is possible in smaller and more remote underserved communities and is perceived positively. Training GP registrars in smaller, more remote communities, matches their training more closely with the comprehensive primary care services needed by these communities.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
How does GP training impact rural and remote underserved communities? Exploring community and professional perceptions
Authors
Katerina Kanakis
Louise Young
Carole Reeve
Richard Hays
Tarun Sen Gupta
Bunmi Malau-Aduli
Publication date
01-12-2020
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Health Services Research / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6963
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-020-05684-7

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