Mapping the solutions: a typology of rural health workforce interventions in federally qualified health centers

This study aims to develop a theory-informed typology of rural health workforce development interventions specific to Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). Guided by Bronfenbrenner's Social Ecological Model, and using a PRISMA-based systematic review, this paper synthesizes the types, characteristics and strategic orientations of interventions implemented to support recruitment, training and retention of health professionals in rural and underserved settings.

A systematic review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines, drawing on five academic databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, Science Direct, PsycInfo and Health Source Nursing/Academic). Thirty-five peer-reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2025 were analyzed using thematic coding and constant comparative methods to identify intervention categories and key characteristics.

Five dominant types of rural workforce interventions were identified: (1) Educational Pipeline Programs, (2) Policy and Partnership Models, (3) Practice Environment Enhancements, (4) Community-Embedded Workforce Strategies and (5) Financial and Incentive-Based Strategies. Educational and policy-driven models were most frequently represented, while culturally grounded, community-embedded strategies were notably underutilized. The study reveals a field in transition - shifting from short-term incentives to sustainable, leadership-informed approaches.

This is the first study to develop a leadership-relevant typology of rural health workforce interventions in FQHCs. The framework offers policymakers, administrators and educators a practical tool for assessing strategies, identifying gaps and designing equitable, sustainable workforce solutions.