Attracting and Retaining Health Workers in Rural Areas
Author Information
Author(s): Uta Lehmann, Marjolein Dieleman, Tim Martineau
Primary Institution: School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape
Hypothesis
What factors influence the attraction and retention of health professionals in remote areas of middle- and low-income countries?
Conclusion
Improving attraction and retention of health workers in remote rural areas requires a comprehensive understanding of the influencing factors and multi-sectoral collaboration.
Supporting Evidence
- Health worker shortages are a common problem in resource-poor countries.
- The migration of health personnel often follows a hierarchy of wealth.
- Living conditions, including housing and schools, significantly impact health workers' decisions to stay in remote areas.
Takeaway
This study looks at why it's hard to keep doctors and nurses in remote areas and suggests that we need to work together to make these places better for them to live and work.
Methodology
A narrative literature review focusing on English-language material published between 1997 and 2007, assessing about 600 papers and including 55 in the review.
Limitations
The review primarily draws on literature from industrialized countries, which may not fully represent the context of middle- and low-income countries.
Participant Demographics
The review focuses on health professionals in middle- and low-income countries, particularly in remote areas.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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