Introduction: To assess the effect of a training programme called 6for6 (the programme) on research competency and productivity amongst rural physicians. The programme develops the research skills of six rural physicians over six weekends. Physicians learn about various research methods and writing techniques through blended learning components. Methods: We conducted a quasi-experimental study, comparing research competency and productivity between intervention and non-equivalent control groups and over time through a repeated measures design. Generalized linear mixed model (GLMM), ANOVA, and Cochran Q tests were conducted. The intervention was provided to five groups of 6 rural physicians each between 2014 and 2019. Main outcome measures: self-assessed research competency (knowledge, attitudes and skills) and productivity (publications, grants and presentations of research-related work at conferences) were our primary and secondary outcomes, respectively. We measured the outcomes before, during and after the programme. Controls: Rural physicians who expressed interest in the programme and later enrolled. Results: This study shows that, amongst its thirty participants, overall research competency was significantly different between intervention and control groups (65.7% ± 37.6% and 58.6% ± 14.4%, P < 0.05 for GLMM). The percentage of participants who were productive before, during and after the programme was 26.7%, 16.7% and 50.0%, respectively. Overall, productivity rates were significantly different between intervention and control groups (rate difference was 72.2/100 person-years, P < 0.05 for GLMM). Conclusion: This study suggests that the programme improves research competency and productivity for rural physicians. Rural physicians who wish to improve their research competency would benefit from participating in similar programmes.

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Introduction: Rural communities suffer from an unequal access to health-care resources. The purpose of this study was to characterise Emergency Departments (EDs) in the Champlain Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) and determine their barriers to recruitment and retention of emergency physicians. Methods: A survey was sent to the 17 ED chiefs in the Champlain LHIN area by E-mail through May to December 2019. Results were analyzed for common themes and trends. Results: Seven of the 17 hospitals responded to the survey. The average number of physicians staffing the ED was 16, with the majority being Canadian College of Family Physicians certified without additional emergency training. Common described barriers to recruitment include lack of incentives for physicians to work in rural communities, lack of available resources at rural centres, such as specialists and poor flexibility in terms of shift coverage. Barriers to retention included limited incentives to remain in rural communities. Conclusion: This study analyzed the demographics and barriers to recruitment and retention in rural EDs. These results can be used to help build strategies that encourage physicians to practise in rural EDs.

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Introduction: Community outreach workers (CWs) provide critical services to their community by connecting marginalised people to community and primary care services. The importance of CWs is overlooked in the current provincial primary health-care transformation due to perceived lack of evidence. This evaluation describes the efficacy of the CW programme in a rural British Columbian community. Methods: Capacity of the programme was determined by reviewing service and financial reports. Outcomes of the programme were analyzed from the electronic medical records and health systems data. Group discussions were conducted with providers, care team members and CWs for a deeper understanding of programme efficacy and impact. Results: For 64 h per month, CWs supported 15 clients, provided 28 visits and executed 10 referrals to community resources. The typical client was an adult of low socioeconomic status, unable to effectively organise themselves and navigate the health-care system and/or community resources, often as a result of undiagnosed low mental or cognitive functioning. The programme positively impacted the health-care system by facilitating 142 attachments to providers, reducing client emergency department use by 41%, while marginally increasing primary care services (6%), and supporting more appropriate emergency department visits. Conclusion: Clients enrolled in the programme did not fit into already defined services offered by the health authority. However, they required support to effectively function in their community. With the current health-care system transformation in British Columbia, it is imperative that the CW programme is recognised for its value to attract and maintain stable funding.

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Introduction: Intravenous iron infusion therapy is commonly delivered in rural hospitals, but there are no common guidelines for dosing or choice of agent. The objective of the study was to understand present practice and alternate therapies and develop practical recommendations for small hospital use. Methods: This was a retrospective chart review of all non-dialysis patients aged 15 years or older who received iron replacement therapy at Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre from May 2013 to May 2019 and a literature review of available iron preparations. Results: Of the 147 patients who received intravenous iron replacement, 75 were administered a single dose of 200 mg or 500 mg iron sucrose. Commonly used in pregnant patients, an increase in haemoglobin by an average of 9.2 g/L followed a 200 mg dose and 12.5 g/L after 500 mg. The 3-h infusion time for the 500 mg dose consumed considerably more nursing resources. Non-pregnant patients can be transfused more effectively with iron maltoside which can efficiently deliver larger doses of iron. Conclusion: We recommend iron maltoside for efficient intravenous iron replacement in non-pregnant patients and single or multiple doses of 200 mg iron sucrose during pregnancy.

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