Overcoming the pull factor of convenient urban living - Perceptions of rural general practice placements

Background: There are two drivers for encouraging undergraduate students to undertake rural general practice placements first, the need to increase the number of clinical placements available and second, the importance of exposing medical students to rural health care as a career choice. This is the first study to explore the practicalities and challenges of rural general practice placements in the United Kingdom as experienced by students and professionals involved. Aims: This study aimed to explore the barriers and opportunities to developing undergraduate medical education in rural Wales. Methods: This study reports on qualitative data from two focus groups with Year 5 students (one group had been on urban placement, the other rural); and telephone interviews with professionals involved in delivering the placements. Results: Five themes emerged from the analysis: the positive learning experience provided by General Practice irrespective of rural or urban location; strong pull factors to the university town; anxiety and expectation associated with a rural placement; accommodation whilst on placement; the extra cost associated with transport in rural areas. Conclusions: It is important to address students' concerns associated with the practicalities of going on a rural placement. Rural practice placements need to be raised earlier in the undergraduate curriculum.