Rural urgent care models: what are they made of?
The study aimed to identify the elements that constitute rural urgent care systems. Participation in the study was sought from health professionals, welfare and emergency services sectors, and community members. Primary data were collected from informants through interviews and focus groups in five rural communities of different sizes. Twelve common elements to rural urgent care systems were identified and divided into two categories: (i) infrastructure; and (ii) personnel. Infrastructure included organisational support, community support, transport, communication and coordination processes, facilities and equipment, and community knowledge and information. Personnel included nurses, doctors, community leaders, health and welfare professionals, emergency service workers and ambulance officers. The study's major outcome was the recognition that rural urgent care systems consist of a balance of interrelated elements. These elements are context driven, with geographical, social and economic environments having a substantial impact on the ability of rural communities to develop and sustain their urgent care systems.
O'Meara
Peter
P
Monash University School of Rural Health, PO Box 424, Traralgon, Victoria 3844, Australia. peter.omeara@med.monash.edu.au
Burley
Mollie
M
Kelly
Heather
H
D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education; D006801:Humans; D017146:Models, Organizational; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014739:Victoria; D000078329:Workforce