Type of community as confounding variable in the satisfaction of rural child and youth mental health clinicians: implications for evidence‐based workforce development

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to present findings from a study soliciting the perspectives of child and youth mental health clinicians practising in rural/remote settings in British Columbia, Canada. Satisfaction is assessed in four areas: lifestyle, practice, preparation for practice, and fit of organizational standards.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey using a variety of closed and open‐ended questions was administered to clinicians practising in four distinct settings: small rural, large rural, small remote, and large remote. Closed questions were analyzed using SPSS 17.0 while open ended questions were analyzed using manual open and axial coding.

Findings

Findings indicate moderate to high levels of satisfaction in all areas. Satisfaction with rural lifestyle and professional practice was strongest for clinicians recruited from within the community. However, clinicians from small remote communities indicated much lower levels of satisfaction in all four areas.

Originality/value

The study underscores the importance of understanding the diversity of rural practice settings in mental health workforce development. In particular it highlights the need for greater attention to evidence based approaches to support mental health practitioners in small remote settings.

Citation

Gillespie, J. and Redivo, R. (2012), "Type of community as confounding variable in the satisfaction of rural child and youth mental health clinicians: implications for evidence‐based workforce development", The Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice, Vol. 7 No. 1, pp. 20-32. https://doi.org/10.1108/17556221211230561