Developing And Implementing A Rural Healthcare Didactic Module For Nurse Practitioner Residents

Abstract

Abstract Problem Statement. Challenges with recruitment and retention of healthcare providers in rural settings result in shortages of health care providers. Factors contributing to this healthcare provider shortage include but are not limited to decreased healthcare access, increased healthcare expenditure, healthcare worker burnout, lower than average salaries, and isolation (Kaplan, Pollack, Skillman, & Patterson, 2020b; MacQueen et al., 2017; Ogden, Preston, Partanen, Ostini, & Coxeter, 2020). Purpose. The purpose of this project is to increase the number of healthcare providers in rural settings by facilitating change in rural education, increase exposure to rural clinical practice and increase confidence and the likelihood of NP residents practicing or continuing in rural healthcare. Methods. After implementing the educational module and completing the rural field experience on Hawai‘i Island, data calculation and comparison occurred via Google Forms. Four participants who were all NP residents currently in the last leg of their NP residency program at Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center (WCCHC) called Nā Lei Kukui, completed all surveys as requested. Results. An improvement in both confidence and likelihood to practice in rural areas was observed. Before project implementation, the total mean score was 29.83 and after implementation it was 33.33 with a mean score difference of 3.5 points as seen in Appendix G. Data representing an increased interest in practice in rural healthcare was insignificant. Discussion. Despite inherent limitations, data comparing participant responses on comfort, ability, and preparation to practice in rural healthcare encourages the positive impact that incorporating rural healthcare didactics and clinical experiences has on NPs and other healthcare providers.