Research and Evaluation

National Centre for Remote and Rural Health and Care: Information Hub

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The Research and Evaluation Pillar of the National Centre aims to increase capacity and opportunity for research and evaluation to be undertaken within the primary care and community services workforce within Scotland.

Our team of research and evaluation specialists within the NC also undertake focused projects that aim to increase the remote, rural and island health evidence base for Scotland.

We are committed to identifying and developing models of excellence within the Scottish rural healthcare system. We aim for the outputs of our research and evaluation to be useful to the improvement of recruitment, retention and services sustainability. We aim to increase awareness within Scotland of international models for implementation and evaluation within remote, rural or island areas. Our work also aims to help improve service users’ access and address rural health inequalities.

Some key research and evaluation topics include access to healthcare services (barriers, gaps, and solutions), health inequalities (urban/rural, social determinants, intervention efficacy) and workforce issues (recruitment, retention, impact of training).

National Centre Represented at Arctic Congress 2024

The National Centre proudly represented Scotland at the Arctic Congress 2024 in Bodo, Norway, joining over 1000 delegates! We presented on active and healthy aging in remote and rural Scotland, as part of a session organised by the University of The Arctic Thematic Network on Health and Wellbeing. Engaging discussions explored innovative models for supporting our aging population through primary and community care.

View the following links to some interesting models including https://www.uarctic.org/activities/thematic-networks/health-and-well-being-in-the-arctic/

Inuit and culturally-grounded health models: Epistemic inclusion in the Qanuilirpitaa? Nunavik Inuit health survey: developing an Inuit model and determinants of health and well-being | Canadian Journal of Public Health (springer.com)

Working towards ethical guidelines for research involving the Sámi — Sámiráđđi (saamicouncil.net)

The concept of One Health and incorporating it within health education in remote and rural regions: One Health in Northern Communities and Ecosystems | UiT

UArctic - University of the Arctic - Thematic Network on Northern Nursing Education

Special Issue on Integrated Care in Rural, Remote or Island Communities

Most literature on integrated care focuses on urban settings, overlooking the unique challenges and solutions for remote, rural, or island communities. Rural healthcare practitioners face unique challenges compared to their urban counterparts, necessitating strategic interventions to achieve health equity. This special edition brings together nine papers that highlight these challenges and present targeted interventions. The papers cover research and practices from seven countries across four continents, offering valuable insights for both rural and urban integrated care systems. Key highlights include:

Canada: Cheng’s case study on an integrated care program for older people in Alberta shows how geographical isolation can catalyse greater integrated working.
Spain: Espaulella-Ferrer and colleagues outline a new model of care for older people with complex needs in Catalonia, emphasizing the role of a nurse case manager.
USA: Pires dos Santos and colleagues address integrated primary care for marginalized individuals in Arizona, highlighting challenges and solutions for remote regions.
Brazil: Verissimo and colleagues discuss the essential role of trained lay community health workers in the integrated family health system.
Ghana: Kpobi and Ferazzoli explore a community-centered approach to mental health services, emphasizing the importance of local assets and resources.
Scotland: Abraham and colleagues report on a successful tele-dermatology model for an aging island population, highlighting the importance of digital solutions.
Italy: Buffoli and colleagues emphasize collaboration between healthcare planners and urban/community planning authorities when locating new community healthcare facilities.

The special edition underscores the importance of addressing barriers to health equity, planning for demographic change, and understanding the impact of rurality on social determinants of health. These papers offer valuable lessons for policymakers, practitioners, and academics dedicated to improving health outcomes and fostering innovation in rural and remote healthcare systems.

View the special edition at Guest editorial: Integrated care in rural, remote or island communities | Emerald Insight