Choosing to practice in rural dietetics: what factors influence that decision?
OBJECTIVE
The present study aimed to identify those factors that influence the decision of a dietitian to consider working in a rural area.


METHODS
A qualitative design using focus groups was chosen for this study to allow for in-depth data to be obtained.


METHODS
University of Newcastle, Callaghan Campus.


METHODS
Twenty-three students/new graduates from the Bachelor of Health Science (Nutrition and Dietetics) degree at the University of Newcastle.


METHODS
Not applicable, this project was an exploratory study.


RESULTS
A number of factors that influence the decision of dietetic students and newly graduated dietitians to consider working in a rural area were identified. These fell into the following main thematic areas: job prospects; rural lifestyle; comfort zones; support networks; promotion opportunities/professional development; type of work/work role; rural needs; and time frame.


CONCLUSIONS
The present study found that choosing a location to work (whether it be a rural one or not) is a complex process and involves a number of interacting factors. Also those factors that may influence one dietitian to choose a career in a rural area may also be the factors that influence another dietitian not to choose a career in a rural area.
Heaney
Susan E
SE
Discipline of General Practice, School of Medical Practice and Population Health, the University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia.
Tolhurst
Helen
H
Baines
Surinder K
SK
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002321:Career Choice; D002322:Career Mobility; D004046:Dietetics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D008960:Models, Psychological; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009517:New South Wales; D011365:Professional Practice Location / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D024382:Professional Role; D036301:Qualitative Research; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012944:Social Support; D013336:Students, Health Occupations / Q000523:psychology*; D013997:Time Factors