A required rural health module increases students' interest in rural health careers

Abstract

The Australian Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing has funded University Departments of Rural Health (UDRHs) to facilitate student placements with the goal of encouraging students to choose rural health practice. The objective of this article is twofold: first, to report student feedback regarding The University of Melbourne-UDRH required 4 week Rural Health Module based in Shepparton, Victoria, at the School of Rural Health, with placements in communities in rural northeast Victoria; and second, to identify students' attitudes about practising in rural areas at the completion of the course. Student evaluations conducted at the completion of the program were analysed utilising both quantitative and qualitative survey questions. Of 393 students who completed the course, 93% participated in the evaluation. Over half (70%) said that the course increased their interest in rural health issues more than 'somewhat', and 47% stated that the course increased their interest in practising rurally more than 'somewhat'. Students valued their community placements highly but wanted greater clinical focus. A required community-based rural health course positively influences many medical students' reported intention toward rural practice and increases most students interest in rural health. Rural general practice placements are in short supply. This course offers valuable rural experience to students without depending significantly on GPs, but student feedback has increased efforts to make the course more clinically focussed.