title: Recruitment and retention of home support workers in rural communities.
abstract: This qualitative study examined recruitment and retention of home support workers (HSWs) providing home support in rural communities. Thirty-two participants were recruited across four island-based communities located in British Columbia, Canada. Thematic analysis of interview data revealed several key themes: (a) how the rural context shapes HSWs' employment decisions and opportunities; (b) why people become (and stay) HSWs in rural communities; and (c) how rurality influences the nature and scope of HSWs' work. These findings suggest that health human resource policies and programs aimed at HSW recruitment and retention should be tailored to characteristics, strengths, and challenges of rural communities.
authors.affiliation: a Institute of Gender and Health, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, University of British Columbia , Vancouver , British Columbia , Canada.
authors.forename: Zena
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Sharman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001955:British Columbia; D005260:Female; D018576:Home Health Aides / Q000523:psychology / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010560:Personnel Selection; D036301:Qualitative Research; D019035:Rural Health Services; D000078329:Workforce
keywords: health human resources; home care services; home health aide; rural health