Retention of experienced clinicians in rural areas is a challenge in New Mexico and across the nation. Providing health care in under-served areas takes persistence and dedication. One sign of such dedication in long-time practitioners is their contribution to practice-based research.
Informal analysis of 95 clinicians at 7 medically-underserved clinics recently showed that clinicians who stay longer at their clinics are, to a significant degree, those same clinicians who are engaging in RIOS Net projects. Although this survey shows association not cause, we hope that that the opportunity to participate in projects and peer interaction is a factor that helps clinicians stay.
"RIOS asks providers about the pressing questions for them. It legitimizes their work in direct care and their role in contributing to communities.”
“The patients usually like participating in the research.”
“I am fairly isolated here, and I do appreciate touching bases with other providers in my situation and with those in academia and at the large medical center of UNM... I liked to see how simple it is to gather information in a focused way, and would welcome further projects.”
“RIOS Net is a way for a provider to still feel challenged and think about questions and solutions for those questions."
“What has helped with recruitment and retention has been being able to offer research and community involvement."
