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

Project background: What and Why

The MSc Rural Advanced Practitioner (RAP) Programme Theory Development project aims to create a robust theoretical framework for the evaluation of the programme by incorporating realist principles. This framework will guide secondary data analysis to understand the underlying mechanisms and contextual factors shaping the programme implementation to address the unique challenges and needs of remote, rural and island (RRI) healthcare settings. 

The objectives are: 

• To establish a comprehensive theoretical foundation for the MSc RAP programme.
• To identify key competencies, knowledge areas, and skills necessary for advanced practitioners in RRI settings.
• To incorporate best practices and evidence-based approaches into the programme theory. 

Developing a solid theoretical foundation is important to ensure that the programme is relevant, effective, and sustainable. 

Project description: Who and How

The Programme Theory Development is a desk-based exercise by the National Centre Research and Evaluation team. This will be achieved through conducting an extensive review of existing literature on rural healthcare, advanced practice, educational theories and realist evaluation theories and frameworks to identify gaps and best practices. The theoretical framework will be developed by incorporating the identified competencies, knowledge areas, and skills ensuring it is adaptable and flexible to accommodate varying remote, rural and island contexts. 

Expected outcome:  When and What Difference

The Programme Theory Development was initiated in April 2024 and will be completed in November 2024. The main output of this Programme Theory Development is the establishment of a clear and comprehensive theoretical foundation for the programme to provide an enhanced understanding of the specific needs and challenges of remote, rural and island healthcare as well as improved alignment of the programme with national standards and best practices. 

A short report will be written up outlining the theoretical foundation of the MSc RAP Programme. This report will present the overall findings of the evaluation and will be structured according to a standard framework, referring to the research questions and the associated assessment criteria. The findings will be presented to the National Centre Management team and relevant stakeholders for the possibility of developing a programme theory for the programme that could be tested.