A meta aggregation of qualitative research on retention of general practitioners in remote Canada and Australia.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to systematically review qualitative evidence regarding the experiences and perceptions of general practitioners and what factors influence their retention in remote areas of Canada and Australia. The objectives were to identify gaps and inform policy to improve retention of remote general practitioners, which should in turn improve the health of our marginalised remote communities. DESIGN: Meta-aggregation of qualitative studies. SETTING: Remote general practice in Canada and Australia. PARTICIPANTS: General practitioners and general practice registrars who had worked in a remote area for a minimum of one year and/or were intending to stay remote long term in their current placement. RESULTS: Twenty-four studies were included in the final analysis. A total of 811 participants made up the sample with a length of retention ranging from 2 to 40 years. Six synthesised findings were identified from a total of 401 findings; these were around peer and professional support, organisational support, uniqueness of remote lifestyle and work, burnout and time off, personal family issues and cultural and gender issues. CONCLUSIONS: Long term retention of doctors in remote areas of Australia and Canada is influenced by a range of negative and positive perceptions, and experiences with key factors being professional, organisational, or personal. All six factors span a spectrum of policy domains and service responsibilities and therefore a central coordinating body could be well placed to implement a multifactorial retention strategy.

Retention of General Practitioners in remote areas of Canada and Australia: A meta-aggregation of qualitative research.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to systematically review qualitative evidence regarding the experiences and perceptions of General Practitioners and the factors influencing retention in remote areas of Canada and Australia. The objectives were to identify gaps and inform policy to improve retention of remote doctors, which should in turn reduce health inequalities for remote communities. DESIGN: Meta-aggregation of qualitative studies of General Practitioners and general practice registrars who had worked in a remote area of Australia or Canada for a minimum of 1 year and/or were intending to stay remote long term in their current placement. RESULTS: Six synthesised findings were identified: peer and professional support, organisational support, uniqueness of remote lifestyle and work, burnout and time off, personal family issues and cultural and gender issues. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term retention of doctors in remote areas of Australia and Canada is influenced by a range of negative and positive perceptions, and experiences with key factors being professional, organisational and personal. All 6 synthesised findings span a spectrum of policy domains and service responsibilities, and therefore, a central coordinating body could be well placed to implement a multifactorial retention strategy.

Retention of outer regional, remote, and very remote speech-language pathologists influenced by professional support and community connection.

PURPOSE: Addressing the retention challenges faced by non-metropolitan speech-language pathologists (SLPs) is crucial for achieving health services equity in Australia. This study assesses the applicability of previous literature findings to the current context of Australian SLPs. Furthermore, identifying specific factors influencing the retention of SLPs in outer regional, remote, and very remote areas of Australia. METHOD: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 SLPs, who have been employed in non-metropolitan areas of Australia within the last 5 years. The collected data underwent online screening, with the interviews transcribed and analysed using content analysis techniques. RESULT: Retention rates of non-metropolitan SLPs in Australia were categorised into three themes: professional, personal, and latent. The professional category included professional support, professional development, premature responsibilities, generalist skills, and funding. The personal category included community, family/relationships, burnout, and social justice. The latent themes included finances, management, and faith. CONCLUSION: Retention rates of non-metropolitan SLPs in Australia are influenced by both protective factors and risk factors. Three recommendations to improve community access and reduce the current equity gap are outlined, namely: (a) tailored/bespoke professional education to maintain/enhance the clinical competence required, (b) prioritise community immersion and improve mentoring, and (c) strategies and policies to support SLPs.