Interventions to improve recruitment and retention of physicians in rural and remote Canada: a systematic review

Abstract

Purpose: Rural and remote regions of Canada struggle to attract and retain an adequate healthcare workforce to provide the healthcare needed by their local residents. The purpose of this systematic review is to explore current literature that has analyzed strategies for recruitment and retention of physicians to rural and remote regions in Canada.
 Methods: Scopus and PubMed were searched for articles. To be included in the review, the titles yielded from the initial search had to be in English and meet one of the inclusion criteria: (1) address rural and/or remote healthcare, (2) focus on medical students or physicians, and (3) discuss recruitment or retention strategies. Titles were excluded that discussed non-OECD countries, or that were not original journal articles. The final sample of articles were analyzed by both reviewers for content and emerging themes.
 Summary of Results and Conclusion: The initial search yielded a total of 3397 titles for review. After applying criteria described above, 35 articles remained for review. A variety of recruitment and retention themes were identified targeting physicians before, during, and after their medical education. The most effective strategies consistently appear to be those aimed before medical education, specifically admitting medical students who have a rural background. This review aims to provide a summary of the currently available research to assist with evidence-based decision making to increase supply and retention of rural physicians.