title: Charting the future course of rural health and remote health in Australia: Why we need theory.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This paper argues that rural and remote health is in need of theoretical development.
  
  
  METHODS
  Based on the authors' discussions, reflections and critical analyses of literature, this paper proposes key reasons why rural and remote health warrants the development of theoretical frameworks.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The paper cites five reasons why theory is needed: (i) theory provides an approach for how a topic is studied; (ii) theory articulates key assumptions in knowledge development; (iii) theory systematises knowledge, enabling it to be transferable; (iv) theory provides predictability; and (v) theory enables comprehensive understanding.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This paper concludes with a call for theoretical development in both rural and remote health to expand its knowledge and be more relevant to improving health care for rural Australians.
authors.affiliation: University of Melbourne, Shepparton, Victoria, Australia. bourke@unimelb.edu.au
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bourke
authors.forename: John S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Humphreys
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wakerman
authors.forename: Judy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Taylor
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D005544:Forecasting; D018166:Health Care Reform; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000639:trends; D006302:Health Services Research; D054624:Health Status Disparities; D054625:Healthcare Disparities / Q000639:trends*; D006761:Hospitals / Q000600:supply & distribution; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D012423:Rural Health / Q000639:trends*