PpARC: Partner perceptions of the attractiveness of rural communities: an exploration of concerns of the families of GP Registrars in participating in a rural placement

The shortage of General Practitioners (GPs) working in rural and remote areas of Australia has been of increasing concern for the government since the early 1990s. Spouses/partners experiences and perceptions of a rural community are important factors in the GP registrar’s decision to work in rural and remote areas. Previous studies have identified barriers to the recruitment of rural GP’s associated with the GP’s spouses/partners and families, and these barriers and concerns of integrating into a community may include:

This qualitative study involved two focus groups with a total of 12 spouses/partners of GP registrars from three South Australian Regional Training Providers (RTPs).

The analysis identified spouses/partners perspectives of rural communities and rural living. In order to understand spouses/partners perceptions of rural placements and living in a rural community, the spouses/partners were asked to describe the perceived benefits and barriers. Positive aspects included:

• Lifestyle, including recreational and leisure activities, and a safe environment;
  
• The physical environment, with a quieter and peaceful setting; and
  
• The culture, where everyone knows who you are and the smaller and closer communities

The barriers to rural living and rural communities included:

• Lack of employment opportunities for spouse/partner;
  
• A lack of educational opportunities for children;
  
• The GP Registrars workload; and
  
• A lack of amenities, in particular a lack of facilities and entertainment
  

The role of the RTPs in the placement process
This study also sought to understand spouses/partners perspectives of the placement process and suggest how the process may be improved and how the RTP and/or the community may provide support for them and their family. Several issues and suggestions were mentioned, including:

• A lack of understanding and knowledge of the placement process;
  
• A need for introduction to the existing community and networks;
  
• Provision of financial incentives for rural placements and living;
  
• Employment assistance for the spouse/partner;
  
• Provision of a locum to ensure GP Registrar has time away from work; and
  
• Provision of accommodation and a vehicle for GP Registrars and their families.

For more information, please contact Dr Caroline Laurence, Special Projects Manager, via caroline.laurence@adelaide.edu.au