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McGrail M, Woolley T, Pinidiyapathirage J, Paton K, Smith D, Brumpton K, Teague PA. Exploring recent trends (2014-21) in preferencing and accepting Queensland medical internships in rural hospitals. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:236. [PMID: 38395849 PMCID: PMC10885368 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10683-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medical internship is a key transition point in medical training from student to independent (junior) doctor. The national Regional Training Hubs (RTH) policy began across Australia in late 2017, which aims to build medical training pathways for junior doctors within a rural region and guide students, interns and trainees towards these. This study aims to explore preferencing and acceptance trends for rural medical internship positions in Queensland. Moreover, it focuses on internship preference and acceptance outcomes prior to and following the establishment of RTHs, and their association with key covariates such as rural training immersions offered by medical schools. METHODS Data from all applicants to Queensland Health intern positions between 2014-2021 were available, notably their preference order and location of accepted internship position, classified as rural or metropolitan. Matched data from Queensland's medical schools were added for rural training time and other key demographics. Analyses explored the statistical associations between these factors and preferencing or accepting rural internships, comparing pre-RTH and post-RTH cohorts. RESULTS Domestic Queensland-trained graduates first preferencing rural intern positions increased significantly (pre-RTH 21.1% vs post-RTH 24.0%, p = 0.017), reinforced by a non-significant increase in rural acceptances (27.3% vs 29.7%, p = 0.070). Rural interns were more likely to have previously spent ≥ 11-weeks training in rural locations within medical school, be rurally based in the year applying for internship, or enrolled in the rural generalist pathway. CONCLUSIONS The introduction of the RTH was associated with a moderate increase of graduates both preferencing and accepting a rural internship, though a richer understanding of the dominant reasons for and against this remain less clear. An expansion of graduates who undertook longer periods of undergraduate rural training in the same period did not diminish the proportion choosing a rural internship, suggesting there remains an appetite for these opportunities. Overall, domestic graduates are identified as a reliable source of intern recruitment and retention to rural hospitals across Queensland, with entry to the rural generalist pathway and extended rural placement experiences enhancing uptake of rural practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew McGrail
- The University of Queensland, Rural Clinical School, Rockhampton, QLD, 4700, Australia.
| | - Torres Woolley
- James Cook University, College of Medicine & Dentistry, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia
| | - Janani Pinidiyapathirage
- Griffith University, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Southport, QLD, 4222, Australia
- Rural Medical Education Australia, Toowoomba, QLD, 4350, Australia
| | - Kath Paton
- James Cook University, College of Medicine & Dentistry, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia
| | - Deborah Smith
- James Cook University, College of Medicine & Dentistry, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia
| | - Kay Brumpton
- Griffith University, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Southport, QLD, 4222, Australia
- Rural Medical Education Australia, Toowoomba, QLD, 4350, Australia
| | - Peta-Ann Teague
- James Cook University, College of Medicine & Dentistry, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia
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Almalki MJ, Elamin A, Jabour AM, Varghese J, Alotaibi AA, Almalki SM, Hamdan ME, Bajawi MS, Alamer TA, Alshammakhi BM, Alabsi HH, Hassan DH, Moafa HN. In response to the Saudi healthcare reform: a cross-sectional study of awareness of and attitudes toward the public health model among health students. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1264615. [PMID: 37900034 PMCID: PMC10602726 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1264615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Saudi Arabia's health sector is experiencing a significant transformation toward an emphasis on the public health model. This model is a population-based approach to preventing and controlling disease, and its importance becomes evident during infectious outbreaks and pandemics, such as COVID-19. This study aimed to assess the awareness and attitudes of health students in Jazan toward the public health model. Methods This study applied a cross-sectional online survey. Data were collected from 3-18 November 2020 using Google Forms. A convenience sampling method was used with a final sample of 425 participants. Results Most participants (71%) were aware of the public health model, with an average score of 11.36 out of 16. Multiple regression analysis revealed a significant association between the awareness level of the public health model and participants' demographics, namely, gender, major of study, year of study, and prior training in public health. Participants who completed public health training (β = 0.220) had higher awareness scores than others. On the other hand, participants from public health (β = -0.342), medicine (β = 0.164), and nursing in Jazan (β = 0.128) had higher awareness of the public health model than the reference group (Nursing at Addayer College). Addayer is an area located in the rural northeast of the Jazan region. In addition, final-year students (β = 0.113) had higher awareness of the public health model than the reference group (year 2 pre-final students). Female participants (β = -0.142) had lower awareness of the public health model than male participants. Most participants (95.3%) believed that the clinical care and public health models are essential for promoting people's health. However, 4.7% of participants believed that clinical health care is more important than public health. Conclusion Health students, who are future healthcare professionals, must understand and value the public health model to support the planned health system reforms. It is recommended to evaluate how the education and training of students in public health, medicine, and nursing in Jazan impact the understanding and views of this cohort on the public health model compared to those of students in other health-related majors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed J. Almalki
- Department of Health Services Management, College of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Elamin
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrahman M. Jabour
- Department of Health Informatics, College of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Joe Varghese
- Department of Health Informatics, College of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amani A. Alotaibi
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, College of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sami M. Almalki
- Department of Health Informatics, College of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed E. Hamdan
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maram S. Bajawi
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, College of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Taym A. Alamer
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, College of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bashaier M. Alshammakhi
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, College of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hamdah H. Alabsi
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, College of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Duaa H. Hassan
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, College of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hassan N Moafa
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
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Sapoutzis N, Schneider A, Brandhuber T, Berberat PO, Wijnen-Meijer M. Programs to encourage working as a general practitioner in rural areas: why do medical students not want to participate? A cross-sectional study. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2022; 22:622. [PMID: 35978341 PMCID: PMC9382807 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-022-03688-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In many countries, not enough students are interested to work as general practitioners in rural areas. To solve this problem, several, sometimes partly extracurricular, programs have been developed. Most of these programs are based on continuity, which means that students stay in a rural region for an extended period of time, by completing clerkships. Although the effects of these programs are positive, it is often difficult to motivate students to participate. The purpose of the present study is to get insight into the reasons why students choose not to participate in these programs. METHODS We carried out a questionnaire study among medical students in the clinical phase of the Technical University of Munich in Germany. First, we asked the students whether they actively informed themselves about the program which aims to reduce the shortage of general practitioners in rural areas in Bavaria. Furthermore, the questionnaire focused on the reasons for not participating in this program. RESULTS Based on the answers of 442 students from study years 3-6, the most frequently chosen reason for not participating in the program is "identification with another discipline" with 61.0%, directly followed by "not willing to commit long-term" (56.1%). In third place is "personal connections to another region" with 30.5%. In the open comments, we find the same reasons: many students do not want to commit to a certain direction too early. In addition, students indicate that the number of regions where this program is offered is too limited for them. CONCLUSIONS Offering programs to prepare and motivate students for work as general practitioners in rural areas can contribute to increasing the pool of future general practitioners. To encourage students to participate in such a program, it is important to consider the motives of students. Many students who might be interested in general practice do not choose to take part in such a program because they do not want to commit to a particular specialty or region at an early stage. It is important to take these insights into account when designing and implementing these programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Sapoutzis
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, TUM Medical Education Center, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
- Public Health Department Hochtaunuskreis, Bad Homburg vor der Höhe, Germany
| | - Antonius Schneider
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Institute of Family Medicine and Health Services Research, Munich, Germany
| | - Tom Brandhuber
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Institute of Family Medicine and Health Services Research, Munich, Germany
| | - Pascal O Berberat
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, TUM Medical Education Center, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Marjo Wijnen-Meijer
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, TUM Medical Education Center, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.
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Barraclough F, Pit S. Online multidisciplinary integrated rural healthcare education programs during the COVID-19 pandemic for students from different universities: experiences and guidelines. HEALTH EDUCATION 2021. [DOI: 10.1108/he-06-2021-0096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to “forced innovation” in the health education industry. High-quality training of the future rural health workforce is crucial to ensure a pipeline of rural health practitioners to meet the needs of rural communities. This paper describes the implementation of an online multidisciplinary teaching program focusing on integrated care and the needs of rural communities.
Design/methodology/approach
A multidisciplinary teaching program was adapted to allow students from various disciplines and universities to learn together during the COVID-19 pandemic. Contemporary issues such as the National Aged Care Advocacy Program for Residential Aged Care COVID-19 Project were explored during the program.
Findings
This case study describes how the program was adopted, how learning needs were met, practical examples (e.g. the Hand Hygiene Advocacy within a Rural School Setting Project), the challenges faced and solutions developed to address these challenges. Guidelines are proposed for remote multidisciplinary learning among health professional students, including those in medical, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, and allied health disciplines.
Originality/value
The originality of this program centers around students from multiple universities and disciplines and various year levels learning together in a rural area over an extended period of time. Collaboration among universities assists educators in rural areas to achieve critical mass to teach students. In addition it provides experiences and guidance for the work integrated learning sector, rural health workforce practitioners, rural clinical schools, universities, policy makers, and educators who wish to expand rural online multidisciplinary learning.
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Greenlees NT, Pit SW, Ross LJ, McCormack JJ, Mitchell LJ, Williams LT. A novel blended placement model improves dietitian students' work-readiness and wellbeing and has a positive impact on rural communities: a qualitative study. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2021; 21:387. [PMID: 34273993 PMCID: PMC8286607 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-021-02756-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical placement models that require students to relocate frequently can cause stress, which may impact the student experience and development of work-readiness skills. A blended placement, where placements are undertaken concurrently at one location has potential to address these issues by providing a positive placement experience. Blended long-stay placements undertaken in rural communities increase consistent service provision and may help encourage students to work rurally, with potential to reduce workforce shortages. The aim of this study was to pilot test the feasibility of blended placement models and explore the student experience and skills development. A secondary aim was to explore a fully blended long-stay rural placement and the benefits to the rural community. METHODS An exploratory qualitative design was used. Focus groups were conducted with dietitian student who participated in usual placements (n = 14) or blended placements (n = 9). Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with five student supervisors who participated in blended placements. Focus groups and interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed together using inductive thematic analyses. RESULTS The overarching theme across all blended model placements was 'enhanced work-readiness', including increased flexibility, organisational skills and better preparedness for mixed roles. Enhanced work-readiness was influenced by three themes: stress and wellbeing impacts learning, working in two areas of practice concurrently allows for deeper learning, and blended placements meet supervisor needs. Fully blended long-stay rural placements revealed additional benefits. Firstly, in relation to the overarching theme 'enhanced work-readiness': students on these placements also developed extra skills in innovation, social accountability, interprofessional collaboration, conflict resolution and teamwork. Secondly, a new overarching theme emerged for fully blended long-stay rural placements: 'increased community connections' which included additional health services delivery, deeper personal experience and more rewarding student-supervisor relationships. Thirdly, two extra themes emerged that influenced work-readiness and community impact: 'local organisational support and resources' and 'enhanced innovative and interprofessional learning opportunities'. CONCLUSIONS Blended placements enhance work-readiness skills by providing an alternative model to that commonly applied, and providing flexibility in education programs. Additionally, fully blended long-stay rural placements positively influence the local community through impacting the student experience as well as providing more dietetics services and may therefore assist in reducing dietetics workforce shortages and health inequity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narelle T Greenlees
- School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Griffith University, Southport, Australia
- The University of Sydney, University Centre for Rural Health, Lismore, NSW Australia
| | - Sabrina W. Pit
- The University of Sydney, University Centre for Rural Health, Lismore, NSW Australia
- NSW Rural Doctors Network, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Lynda J Ross
- School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Griffith University, Southport, Australia
| | - Jo J McCormack
- School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Griffith University, Southport, Australia
| | - Lana J Mitchell
- School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Griffith University, Southport, Australia
| | - Lauren T. Williams
- School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Griffith University, Southport, Australia
- Menzies Health Institute of Queensland, Griffith University, Southport, Australia
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McGrail MR, O'Sullivan BG, Russell DJ, Rahman M. Exploring preference for, and uptake of, rural medical internships, a key issue for supporting rural training pathways. BMC Health Serv Res 2020; 20:930. [PMID: 33032604 PMCID: PMC7543036 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-05779-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Improved medical care access for rural populations continues to be a major concern. There remains little published evidence about postgraduate rural pathways of junior doctors, which may have strong implications for a long-term skilled rural workforce. This exploratory study describes and compares preferences for, and uptake of, rural internships by new domestic and international graduates of Victorian medical schools during a period of rural internship position expansion. Methods We used administrative data of all new Victorian medical graduates’ location preference and accepted location of internship positions for 2013–16. Associations between preferred internship location and accepted internship position were explored including by rurality and year. Moreover, data were stratified between ‘domestic graduates’ (Australian and New Zealand citizens or permanent residents) and ‘international graduates’ (temporary residents who graduated from an Australian university). Results Across 2013–16, there were 4562 applicants who filled 3130 internship positions (46% oversubscribed). Domestic graduates filled most (69.7%, 457/656) rural internship positions, but significantly less than metropolitan positions (92.2%, p < 0.001). Only 20.1% (551/2737) included a rural location in their top five preferences, less than for international graduates (34.4%, p < 0.001). A greater proportion of rural compared with metropolitan interns accepted a position not in their top five preferences (36.1% versus 7.4%, p < 0.001). The proportion nominating a rural location in their preference list increased across 2013–2016. Conclusions The preferences for, and uptake of, rural internship positions by domestic graduates is sub-optimal for growing a rural workforce from local graduates. Current actions that have increased the number of rural positions are unlikely to be sufficient as a stand-alone intervention, thus regional areas must rely on international graduates. Strategies are needed to increase the attractiveness of rural internships for domestic students so that more graduates from rural undergraduate medical training are retained rurally. Further research could explore whether the uptake of rural internships is facilitated by aligning these positions with protected opportunities to continue vocational training in regionally-based or metropolitan fellowships. Increased understanding is needed of the factors impacting work location decisions of junior doctors, particularly those with some rural career intent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R McGrail
- Rural Clinical School, The University of Queensland, Cnr Cambridge & Canning Street, Rockhampton, Queensland, 4700, Australia.
| | - Belinda G O'Sullivan
- School of Rural Health, Monash University, PO BOX 666, Bendigo, Victoria, 3550, Australia.,Rural Clinical School, The University of Queensland, 152 West St, South Toowoomba, Queensland, 4350, Australia
| | - Deborah J Russell
- Menzies School of Health Research, PO BOX 4066, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, 0870, Australia
| | - Muntasirur Rahman
- Rural Clinical School, The University of Queensland, 152 West St, South Toowoomba, Queensland, 4350, Australia
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