The Meaning of Community Characteristics in the Recruitment and Retention of Rural Health Care Professionals

Rural communities face shortages of health care professionals, leading to reduced access to care and increased patient mortality. While prior studies have identified factors that positively influence recruitment and retention, limited research has examined how community characteristics shape these experiences. Authors of this study aimed to better understand the role of community characteristics in recruiting and retaining rural health care professionals in Kansas.

In-depth interviews were conducted with physicians, advanced practice providers (APPs), and nurses working at University of Kansas School of Medicine Summer Training Option in Rural Medicine (STORM) sites. Interviews explored the meaning of community characteristics and their influence on recruitment and retention experiences. Participants were recruited via email. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed, and coded inductively. Thematic network analysis was used to develop global themes and inform conclusions.

Seventeen rural health care professionals (6 physicians, 5 APPs, and 6 nurses) participated. The average interview length was 18.6 minutes. Five global themes emerged: (1) predisposing factors, (2) community ability to meet basic needs, (3) workplace satisfaction and sense of purpose, (4) fulfillment through social connections and environment, and (5) challenges in rural health care. Although these themes were consistent across professions, each profession described their impact differently.

Factors influencing recruitment and retention of rural health care professionals in Kansas were similar across professions; however, their meaning and impact varied by profession. Recognizing these differences is important for developing strategies to improve recruitment and retention in rural communities.