A framework for developing rural academic general practices: a qualitative case study in rural Victoria

Area of Science:

• General Practice
• Medical Education
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Australian rural general practices face pressure to enhance educational delivery and research.
• Developing academic capabilities is crucial for addressing workforce shortages and increasing learner numbers.
• This study aims to create a framework for rural practices to evolve into mature academic units.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a framework for rural academic general practices.
• To guide rural practices in integrating educational and research activities.
• To support the transition of rural practices into mature academic units.

Main Methods:

• A case study design analyzed rural general practices.
• Individual interviews were conducted with 44 staff, learners, and patients across three purposively sampled practices.
• Thematic analysis of interview transcripts informed the development of the rural academic general practice framework.

Main Results:

• Three key themes emerged: organizational, educational, and research considerations.
• Subthemes included practice culture, staffing, learner supervision, and research engagement.
• A four-stage framework (beginning, emerging, consolidating, established) maps practice development.

Conclusions:

• A framework was developed to map and guide the development of rural academic general practices.
• The framework assists practices, educational institutions, and funding bodies in fostering academic activities in rural settings.
• This provides a pathway for rural general practices to mature into academic units.