A picture of locational--occupational diversity: an analysis of the needs of rural and remote healthcare workers when writing RHSET applications. Rural Health Support Education and Training.
Methods for meeting the research needs of rural/remote health workers have been assessed on the assumption that these workers form a seemingly homogeneous group. This paper provides a picture of locational-occupational diversity not previously considered when addressing the needs of rural health workers writing research and project grant submissions. Rural/remote health workers and researchers were surveyed about their needs when seeking assistance with the development, implementation and evaluation of funded project/program proposals. New South Wales respondents were differentiated according to five geographical locations and 10 occupational categories. The results suggest that geographical location and occupational category are major factors in determining research requirements for rural/remote health workers and researchers, and should be considered when identifying barriers to the development and implementation of research projects in rural/remote health care issues. Those health workers most isolated required access to resource information and research and grant writing skills development, while researchers in metropolitan areas were more inclined to seek funding information and general assistance. Those in occupational categories who do not generally receive research and grant writing skills training are less likely to attract funding than their more 'academic' counterparts.
Wood
R
R
Faculty of Education, Health and Professional Studies, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia.
Malko-Nyhan
K
K
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D006281:Health Occupations; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009517:New South Wales; D010560:Personnel Selection; D012109:Research Support as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires