Identifying the factors that increase the likelihood of medical graduates choosing rural medical careers is key to addressing the global shortage of rural doctors. Using linked graduate-workforce outcomes data, this study aimed to identify predictors of rural medical practice in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ).
A national prospective cohort study linking data from the longitudinal Medical School Outcomes Database to workforce location data. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to generate ORs for putative predictors of rural medical career.
All NZ medical graduates from 2011 to 2019 were followed for a minimum of 3 years.
During the study period, there were a total of 4152 medical graduates nationally. Included in the analysis were 3291 graduates who had linked longitudinal medical school and workforce data, of whom 133 (4%) doctors were classified as having decided on a career in rural medicine. Independent predictors of rural practice included being of rural origin (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.19 to 3.81, p=0.011), age older than 25 years at entry to medical school (OR 2.88, 95% CI 1.54 to 5.36, p
This is the first national study linking medical school data to rural medical workforce outcomes. It demonstrates that previously known predictors of rural practice intention are borne out with actual career outcomes, and these also hold true at a national level. However, this research highlights that diverse pathways into rural practice are vital, given that urban-origin students and those with no early rural career intention make up a substantial number of the early-career rural medical workforce.
To systematically summarise evidence related to the use of non-sterile gloves when preparing and administering intravenous antimicrobials.
Scoping review.
A rigorous scoping review was undertaken following Arksey and O'Malley's (2005) framework and the modified Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses extension for scoping review guidelines (2018). Five databases and grey literature were included in the search. Literature published between 2009 and 2024 was included.
Five databases (Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE, Scopus and Web of Science) and the grey literature were searched in February 2024.
Three studies were included; however, none directly addressed correct non-sterile glove use during intravenous antimicrobial preparation or administration in clinical practice.
We found no evidence to support the use of non-sterile gloves in intravenous antimicrobial preparation. There is an urgent need for rigorous research to inform the development of clear guidelines on non-sterile glove use to underpin evidence-based decision-making in nursing and other health professional education, improve patient outcomes, reduce healthcare costs and promote environmental sustainability in healthcare.
Inappropriate use of non-sterile gloves for preparing and administering intravenous antimicrobials hinders correct hand hygiene practices and increases healthcare-associated infections, healthcare costs and waste.
A critical gap in the existing evidence was a key finding of this review, highlighting the urgency for evidence-based guidelines to improve patient safety outcomes, reduce healthcare costs and promote environmental sustainability in healthcare.
This scoping review adhered to the relevant EQUATOR guidelines and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) reporting checklist.
This study did not include patient or public involvement in its design, conduct or reporting.
The protocol was registered on Open Science Framework (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/QY4J2).