Rural Perceptions of Continuing Professional Education

BACKGROUND: This study describes rural health care professionals' perceptions about professional isolation and the availability, accessibility, and relevance of continuing education. METHODS: Registered nurses (n = 165) and physicians (n = 59) providing health care services in 26 rural hospitals in two Midwestern states participated in the study. RESULTS: Rural health care providers experience barriers to accessing relevant continuing education. Although physicians reported higher levels of professional isolation than their nurse counterparts, professional isolation was identified as a concern by both provider groups. CONCLUSIONS: To ensure an adequate supply of knowledgeable and skillful rural health care professionals, continuing education specific to the delivery of care in rural settings is necessary. Once developed, the continuing education must be delivered in a manner that is acceptable and accessible to isolated rural providers.