Rural Posting in Public Health Practices: Principles and Strategies

Review Article

J Community Med Health Care. 2023; 8(1): 1064.

Rural Posting in Public Health Practices: Principles and Strategies

Wisdom Ebiye Sawyer1; Sylvester Chibueze Izah1,2*; Matthew Chidozie Ogwu3

1Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Niger Delta University, Nigeria

2Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Bayelsa Medical University, Nigeria

3Goodnight Family Department of Sustainable Development, Appalachian State University, USA

*Corresponding author: Sylvester Chibueze Izah Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Bayesla Medical University, Nigeria. Email: [email protected]

Received: October 02, 2023 Accepted: October 27, 2023 Published: November 03, 2023

Abstract

In addressing the global challenge of rural healthcare delivery, this study highlights fundamental principles and strategies to enhance accessibility and outcomes. The study found that understanding rural communities’ socio-cultural, economic, and geographic nuances is the first step for public health specialists to adapt their methods effectively. Community engagement fosters trust and active participation, reducing health inequities. Interdisciplinary teamwork involving doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and community health workers amplifies healthcare delivery’s reach and effectiveness. Telemedicine and technology offer remote areas access to high-quality healthcare, with telemedicine, electronic health records, and mobile apps enabling consultations and information exchange. Customised health education programs empower rural communities by raising awareness and promoting prevention, reducing preventable diseases through improved health literacy. Implementable strategies include mobile clinics for remote access, rural hubs for expert consultations, and incentives to sustain a rural healthcare workforce. Collaborations between governments, businesses, and NGOs ensure comprehensive rural healthcare. Data-driven policy decisions optimise resource allocation and healthcare efficiency. A holistic approach grounded in contextual awareness, community engagement, and technological innovation is vital for rural healthcare improvement. Public health practitioners can enhance rural health outcomes by applying these concepts and strategies.

Keywords: Health care; Health outcome; Public health; Rural posting

Introduction

Rural healthcare delivery is integral to global public health practices [40,61,62]. However, it frequently presents unique challenges necessitating specialised approaches and strategic planning. To address healthcare disparities experienced by rural populations, rural posting deploying healthcare professionals to remote areas to provide essential services is critical. In this comprehensive examination, we explore the principles and strategies that underpin successful rural postings within the realm of public health practices.

Geographical isolation, inadequate infrastructure, limited healthcare resources, and a shortage of healthcare personnel often characterise rural areas. Consequently, rural residents face barriers to accessing healthcare services, increasing morbidity rates and exacerbating healthcare disparities. Rural posting is vital to address these issues, ensuring that underserved communities receive the healthcare they require and deserve.

In many developing countries, clinical experience in rural settings is integral to medical education. This practice aims to train medical students and equip them to meet the healthcare needs of rural populations. The primary purpose of rural posting is to acquaint medical students with the challenges and realities of delivering healthcare in rural areas, fostering a sense of social responsibility and dedication to supporting underserved communities.

Typically, rural postings have set durations, ranging from several weeks to months, depending on the medical school's curriculum and policies. Students are usually assigned to work in rural healthcare institutions, such as rural hospitals, clinics, or health centres, often located in remote or underserved regions, limiting residents' access to medical care.

Additionally, medical students gain valuable clinical experience by diagnosing and treating patients under the guidance of experienced healthcare professionals during rural placements [12]. They encounter various medical conditions, including those more prevalent in rural areas, such as infectious diseases and injuries related to agricultural work. Moreover, students actively engage with the local community, learning about its people, culture, customs, and the social determinants influencing rural populations' health. This engagement offers a comprehensive understanding of rural healthcare systems and emphasises the significance of interdisciplinary teamwork in healthcare delivery [68].

Furthermore, rural postings significantly influence students' career choices. Exposure to rural healthcare during training often leads students to pursue careers in rural or underserved areas upon graduation [78]. In some developing countries, government-sponsored programs offer scholarships or preferential job placements in rural areas, encouraging medical students to consider rural postings [70].

Rotating through rural settings is an indispensable component of the education for medical students in developing nations. It makes students aware of rural populations' unique challenges and healthcare needs, nurturing a sense of social responsibility and contributing to the training of a healthcare workforce better equipped to serve underserved communities. This paper focuses on the principles and strategies of public health practices during rural postings.

Principles of Rural Posting in Public Health Practice

Regarding public health practices, rural posting is guided by a few essential ideas that strive to serve rural communities' healthcare requirements successfully [2]. These guiding principles help guarantee that healthcare professionals are adequately trained to work in rural areas and contribute to the general improvement of the health and well-being of communities in rural areas. The following are the fundamental tenets of rural posting in the context of public health practices (Figure 1).