Recruitment and Retention of Home Support Workers in Rural Communities |
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Authors: | Zena Sharman |
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Institution: | 1. Institute of Gender and Health, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canadazsharman@exchange.ubc.ca |
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Abstract: | This qualitative study examined recruitment and retention of home support workers (HSWs) providing home support in rural communities. Thirty-two participants were recruited across four island-based communities located in British Columbia, Canada. Thematic analysis of interview data revealed several key themes: (a) how the rural context shapes HSWs’ employment decisions and opportunities; (b) why people become (and stay) HSWs in rural communities; and (c) how rurality influences the nature and scope of HSWs’ work. These findings suggest that health human resource policies and programs aimed at HSW recruitment and retention should be tailored to characteristics, strengths, and challenges of rural communities. |
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Keywords: | home health aide home care services health human resources rural health |
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