Rural and urban nonphysician providers in Georgia.
Nonphysician providers make valuable contributions to health care in rural areas. This study examines provider and practice characteristics, location preference, and reasons for location preference among Georgia nurse practitioners (NPs), certified nurse midwives, and physician assistants (PAs) (N = 1,079). Data collected through a statewide survey revealed that providers were concentrated in urban areas. Rural providers tended to be older, less educated, possess fewer specialty credentials, and were employed longer than urban providers. NPs were significantly more likely to prefer smaller communities, and PAs were significantly more likely to prefer larger communities. Providers who preferred smaller communities were likely to practice in rural and urban areas, but providers who preferred larger communities were substantially more likely to practice in urban areas. Providers who preferred smaller communities were significantly more likely to mention the importance of community dynamics, while providers who preferred larger communities were significantly more likely to mention professional context.
Center for Rural Health and Research, College of Health and Professional Studies, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro 30460-8148, USA.
W J
WJ
Strickland
D L
DL
Strickland
C
C
Garretson
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005260:Female; D005845:Georgia; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009721:Nurse Midwives / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000600:supply & distribution; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000600:supply & distribution; D010823:Physician Assistants / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000600:supply & distribution; D011364:Professional Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011365:Professional Practice Location / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019035:Rural Health Services; D019037:Urban Health Services; D000078329:Workforce