Factors influencing community nursing roles and health service provision in rural areas: a review of literature

Abstract

Aims: This review sought to better understand the issues and challenges experienced by community nurses working in rural areas and how these factors shape their role.

Methods: Databases were searched to identify relevant studies, published between 1990 and 2015, that focussed on issues and challenges experienced by rural community nurses. Generic and grey literature relating to the subject was also searched. The search was systematically conducted multiple times to assure accuracy.

Results: A total of 14 articles met the inclusion criteria. This critical review identified common issues impacting community nursing and included role definition, organisational change, human resource, workplace and geographic challenges.

Conclusion: Community nurses are flexible, autonomous, able to adapt care to the service delivery setting, and have a diversity of knowledge and skills. Considerably more research is essential to identify factors that impact rural community nursing practice. In addition, greater advocacy is required to develop the role.

Keywords:

• rural population
• community health nursing
• health services needs and demand
• rural health
• nurse’s role

Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge the community nurses who participated in this project and who gave both their time and information so willingly. Their inputs are greatly appreciated. Acknowledgement is also expressed to Tasmania Health Organisations North and North West for their support of this study and for allowing their staff to participate.

Additional information

Funding

This project was internally funded by the Centre for Rural Health (CRH), University of Tasmania (UTas) as part of the Primary Health Care Scholarship which is a project-based research training opportunity attached to research projects operating within the CRH. These placements provide an opportunity for primary health care professionals with an interest in research to build their research skills, experience and track record through hands-on involvement in an existing or new research project under the guidance of experienced researchers.