Objectives/Goals: This pilot study uses an ethnographic analysis to examine provider knowledge, experiences, perception, and attitudes in delivering care in rural, primary care health professional shortage areas. Methods/Study Population: Ethnographic study relying on qualitative methods (semi-structured and open-ended interviews). Study population includes rural healthcare professionals (HCP), including physicians, physician assistants, nurses, dentists, therapists, and pharmacists. Results/Anticipated Results: Anticipated Results: Understandings of why rural HCP choose to deliver healthcare in resource-limited communities, and how this figures into their knowledge, experience, attitudes, and perceptions. A focus on barriers as well as strengths of HCP practicing in rural, HPSA. HCP in rural settings often face distinct working conditions precipitated by resource limitations, which may lead to higher levels of negative emotional or mental health conditions in comparison to their urban counterparts. This study will also attune to the extent to which their work, specifically as HCP in rural settings – as a SDOH – affects their mental health status. Discussion/Significance of Impact: This research contributes to the literature on global health by examining HCP in relation to rurality and in resource-limited settings in the Global North. This will expand the current global health discourse beyond the Global South and bring much needed attention to the health and well-being of communities in the Global North.
Eva Melstrom (Wed,) studied this question.