A Qualitative Assessment of the Impact of the Rural Setting on Healthcare Professionals’ Work Experiences

• Published in: Occupational health science Vol. 4; no. 3; pp. 375 - 399
• Main Authors: Kueny, Clair Reynolds, Majumdar, Debarati, Spencer, Christopher
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 01.09.2020; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Behavioral Science and Psychology; Cancer; Clinics; Industrial and Organizational Psychology; Labor shortages; Medical personnel; Oncology; Original Research Article; Patients; Professionals; Psychology; Quality of Life Research; Recruitment; Rural areas; Rural health care; Teams; Rural; Work experience; Well-being; Healthcare professional; Qualitative
• ISSN: 2367-0134; 2367-0142
• DOI: 10.1007/s41542-020-00061-6

There is no question that rural patients face a number of healthcare-related obstacles; however, rural healthcare challenges may also place a significant burden on healthcare professionals who treat these patients. Cancer care is already complex and challenging, but oncology professionals in rural settings may face additional challenges as a result of unique issues their patients face. Very little research has specifically assessed how distinct characteristics of the rural setting and patient population may impact rural oncology professionals’ work experience. The purpose of this study was to better understand the impact of the rural setting on oncology professionals’ work experience in hopes to identify future areas to target for recruitment and retention purposes. We utilized a qualitative case study design. Multiple healthcare professionals, including oncologists, nurses, social workers, and administrators, were interviewed, and a number of challenges and benefits to providing rural healthcare were identified. Overall, we provide a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to understanding positive and negative work experiences associated with providing rural care. We also provide a foundation for future research to better understand direct connections between rural healthcare, and challenges and benefits faced as part of oncology professionals’ work experience.