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The Characteristics of Successful Family Physicians in Rural Nebraska: A Qualitative Study of Physician Interviews
Author(s) -
Backer Elisabeth L.,
McIlvain Helen E.,
Paulman Paul M.,
Ramaekers Ryan C.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
the journal of rural health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.439
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1748-0361
pISSN - 0890-765X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1748-0361.2006.00030.x
Subject(s) - autonomy , economic shortage , qualitative research , family medicine , frontier , scope of practice , medicine , scope (computer science) , rural health , nursing , rural area , preference , psychology , health care , sociology , political science , social science , linguistics , philosophy , pathology , government (linguistics) , computer science , microeconomics , law , economics , programming language
Context: In studying physician shortage issues, few studies have utilized individual interviews, allowing rural physicians to voice their own stories. Purpose: To explore rural physicians’ unique characteristics affecting their decisions and satisfactions with practice in a rural area. Methods: A qualitative interview study with 11 Nebraska family physicians practicing in rural (frontier) areas. Findings: Previous experience and preference for a rural lifestyle, desire for autonomy, a wide scope of practice, and close relationships with patients defined those physicians choosing rural practice.