The objective of this research was to identify mechanisms that lead to the successful implementation of support strategies for healthcare practitioners in rural and remote areas. This study conducted an integrative review and thematic synthesis of 43 empirical studies that evaluated support interventions in these contexts.
The majority of the interventions reviewed were training and education programs, with fewer studies evaluating supervision and mentoring. The mechanisms identified as crucial for successful outcomes included:
- Access to appropriate and sufficient training, skills, and knowledge.
- Adequate and accessible resources.
- Active involvement of stakeholders in designing, implementing, and evaluating the programs.
- Conducting a needs analysis before the intervention.
- External support, organization, facilitation, and coordination of the program.
- Effective marketing of the program.
- Organizational commitment to the program.
- Appropriate delivery methods for the intervention.
- Strong leadership.
- Regular feedback and evaluation of the program.
We conclude that these mechanisms are vital for the success of support strategies for healthcare practitioners in rural and remote areas. The research provides a comprehensive set of strategies to guide decision-makers in developing and implementing effective support interventions in these challenging contexts.
Reference: Moran A, Coyle J, Boxall D, Pope R, Nancarrow S and Young J. Human Resources for Health. 12:10. doi: 10.1186/1478-4491-12-10.