WONCA World Rural Health Conference Abstracts 2022

WONCA World Rural Health Conference, 17–20 June 2022 at the University of Limerick, Ireland

WONCA World Rural Health Conference at the University of Limerick

The University of Limerick School of Medicine, The Irish College of General Practitioners and The Rural, Island and Dispensing Doctors of Ireland have successfully hosted the WONCA World Rural Health Conference (WRHC) in Ireland in June 2022. The 4-day conference was majestically opened by The Clew Bay Pipers, who enthralled attendees and keynote speakers alike, and finished with participants drumming themselves out of the concert hall, after a very successful drumming workshop. The exit march was most poignant as, just prior, participants had ubiquitously agreed to support the ‘Limerick Declaration on Rural Health Care’.

A wide range of collaborating organisations were vital for the conference’s success; these included:

ScotGem (st-andrews.ac.uk);
EURIPA (euripa.woncaeurope.org);
HRB Primary Care Clinical Trials Network Ireland (primarycaretrials.ie);
The Association of University Departments of General Practice in Ireland (audgpi.ie);
National Centre for Rural and Remote Medicine UK (uclan.ac.uk); and
Rural and Remote Health (www.rrh.org.au).

Located centrally on the west coast of Ireland, with a large and very beautiful rural hinterland, the University of Limerick was an ideal site to host the WRHC. Ireland has one of the largest rural-based populations in Europe, with a million people living rurally, and another million people living in a whole host of small towns and villages.

Over 180 pieces of research were presented in oral and poster sessions during the 4-day conference, along with 35 skills workshops and 24 ‘rurally inspired’ open microphone passion-project talks. Attendance was well above 600 persons, and the social aspects of this conference were equally well received.

The overall prize winners were:

(1) Overall Scientific Prize:
Rosebellah Amihanda (pictured below)
Rural health: strengthening primary health care in Kisumu County, Kenya.

Overall Scientific Prize Winner Rosebellah Amihanda

(2) Overall Student Prize:
Jonathan Eaton-Hart
How do the working lives of general practitioners in rural areas compare with elsewhere in Scotland? Cross-sectional analysis of the Scottish School of Primary Care Survey.

To give you the flavour of the conference, and to demonstrate some of the outstanding work being pursued on rural healthcare topics, the conference abstract book appears below.

Peter Hayes
Scientific Chair WONCA RHC Limerick 2022

Commentary

The Limerick Declaration on Rural Health Care 2022

Glynn L, Murphy AW, Scully R, Strasser R, Quinlan D, Cowley J, Hayes P, O’Donnell P, O’Regan A, Tuli S, Santana MA, Sparrow-Downes VM, Petrazzuoli F, Nowlan S, Collins C, Fogarty F, MacFarlane A, Wynn-Jones J, Chater AB.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

Access to general practice during the COVID-19 pandemic – a cross-sectional view of the opinions of adults who use social media

Mineva G, McCool A, Rogers B, Volz M, Pearl D, Kiroplis I, Abo Halima Y, O’Donnell P, Hayes P.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

Impact of breastfeeding on the incidence and severity of respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis in infants: systematic review

Mineva G, Philip R.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

Quality of epilepsy care in a rural and deprived Scottish population

Holden J.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

Characteristics of medical deserts and approaches to mitigate them: a scoping review

Seils L, Flinterman LE, Bes J, Ballester M, Dan S, Domagała A, Dubas-Jakóbczyk K, Likic R, Kroezen M, Batenburg RS, González AI.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

Introducing advanced paramedics into the rural general practice team in Ireland – general practitioners' attitudes

Feerick F, O'Connor C, Hayes P, Kelly D.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

RURAL-CP: a rural community pharmacy practice-based research network in the USA

Carpenter D, Mashburn P, Hastings T, Westrick S, Rosenthal M, Smith M, Kiser S, Curran G.

Published 10 January 2023 North America

Abstract

COVID-19 in rural USA

OConnor B.

Published 10 January 2023 North America

Abstract

Comprehensive medication management by pharmacists via telehealth in rural primary care: is it feasible and effective?

Curran G, Thomas J, Pathak S, Levitt J, Lee A, Livet M.

Published 10 January 2023 North America

Abstract

Empowering communities through experiential learning: the ‘Enhance’ program in Leadership and Social Medicine

Clegg R.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

‘The word that comes to mind is polymath’: medical students’ perceptions of rural postgraduate careers

Charter L, Laidlaw A, Scully R.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

A digital health platform to manage COVID-19: decentralizing technology to empower rural and remote jurisdictions

Katapally T.

Published 10 January 2023 North America

Abstract

Effectiveness of a rapid access musculoskeletal service in rural primary care

Fox D.

Published 10 January 2023 North America

Abstract

The Prince Edward Island way – does it work?

Fox D.

Published 10 January 2023 North America

Abstract

How do the working lives of general practitioners in rural areas compare with elsewhere in Scotland? Cross-sectional analysis of the Scottish School of Primary Care Survey

Eaton-Hart JH, Gillies JC, Mercer SW.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

Prescriptions of antihypertensive drugs are influenced by the characteristics of general practitioners and their patients: a cross-sectional study in Normandy, France

HUMBERT X, Rabiaza A.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

An analysis of a video education campaign on COVID-19 for healthcare workers in Africa delivered through Facebook

Maher S, Gallagher J, Casey M, Weakliam D, Glynn L.

Published 10 January 2023 Africa

Abstract

Feasibility of a physiotherapist-led behaviour change intervention to improve physical activity in people with rheumatoid arthritis

Kennedy N, Larkin L, McKenna S, Pyne T, Gallagher S, Glynn L, Fraser A, Esbensen B.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

'I learnt so much about being active': experiences of people with rheumatoid arthritis on the impact of a physiotherapist-led intervention to encourage physical activity

McKenna S, Larkin L, Pyne T, Gallagher S, Glynn L, Fraser A, Esbensen B, Kennedy N.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

General practitioners' perceptions of pharmacists working in general practice: a qualitative interview study.

Hurley E, Foley T, Walsh E, Byrne S, Heinrich C, Dalton K.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

How often do patients attend general practice, how often are they referred to hospital, and how do multi-morbidity and polypharmacy affect general practice attendance and referral rates?

O’Regan A, Glynn L, Niranjamn V, O'Connor R, Hannigan A.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

Are randomised control trials of physical activity interventions recruiting harder to reach participants from general practice: a systematic review

Davy K, McNamara R, O’Regan A.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

Report card on access to rural health care in Canada

Wilson R, Rourke J.

Published 10 January 2023 North America

Abstract

Which types of mental health/substance misuse treatment services are available in primary care for adults in rural municipalities in Norway?

Bruun H, Fosse A, Abelsen B.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

Lessons learned through the implementation of a rural longitudinal integrated clerkship at the University of Missouri–Columbia

Meyers M, Porter J, Morris L, Lefevre W.

Published 10 January 2023 North America

Abstract

A national Delphi study: experiences of general practitioner (GP) trainees in the Republic of Ireland undertaking online small group learning as part of the GP Training Programme during COVID-19

Cheung X, Bohane M, Gaffney Wilkinson L, Dowling S, Brennan D, Doran G.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

The 'Mine Medical': an opportunity for preventative and primary care

McPhee EL.

Published 10 January 2023 Australasia

Abstract

Actinic keratosis – lesions behind the mask

Santos Soares A, Pereira JB, Márquez De LaPeña R.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

COVID-19 in north-western Europe: learning lessons from open data

O'Callaghan M, Glynn L.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

General practice Electronic Medical Record (EMR) data: exploring patient and healthcare practitioner activity from 2019 to 2021

O'Callaghan M, Glynn L.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

The use of health education strategies and art in rural health prevention focusing on alcohol abuse/addiction and other drugs

Cavalcante Paz E Silva A, Araujo Da Rocha R, Luvisotto Marinho J, Santana MA.

Published 10 January 2023 Latin America

Abstract

The student experience during a rural clerkship in Brazil

Santana MA, De Oliveira Fernandes M, Geovana Dias N.

Published 10 January 2023 Latin America

Abstract

Home visits in rural areas: demands in primary care

Aparecida Rodrigues Duarte B, Cristina Porto Leite T, Rodrigues Félix T, Santana MA, Denari Giuliani C.

Published 10 January 2023 Latin America

Abstract

Health status of Syrian refugees in Ireland – research and routine data informing service provision

Collins C, Pericin I, Larkin J, Kiely B, Diaz E.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

A ‘Farmer /Fisherperson and Allied Community Medical’ – a quality-improvement template of care in primary care

Kiely AD.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

An audit of antibiotic prescribing in primary care 2019–2020 in Dunmanway Primary Care Centre

Ryan K, O'Donnell T, Kiely AD, Scully D, Wickham M, Harris A, Ryan M.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

General practitioners' views on the challenges of managing knee pain attributed to degenerative meniscal tears in primary care: a qualitative study

O'Leary H, McCreesh K, Robinson K.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

Rural medical education as a solution to rural physician shortages: an exploration of the motivations and engagement of rural physician-educators in Prince Edward Island, Canada

Casey P.

Published 10 January 2023 North America

Abstract

Tension between local, regional and national level in Norwegian handling of COVID-19

Fosse A, Abelsen B, Svensson A, Konradsen I.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

Educational interventions to ensure provision of doctors in rural areas – a systematic review

Fosse A, Abelsen B, Gaski M, Grimstad H.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

Postnatal maternal mental health and postnatal attachment

O'Mahony A, Stephens C, Livingston V, Dempsey E, Boylan G, Murray D.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

The availability of general practice in Ireland's Mid-West Region: does the 'Inverse Care Law' still apply?

Retief P, Harbour E, Glynn L, Casey M, O'Callaghan M.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

Role dimensions of general practice nurses in Ireland

Casey M, O' Connor L, Cullen W, Carroll Á.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

Collaborative Care – empowering community in the development of rural primary health workforce and service delivery models

Nott S, Colbran R, Edwards M.

Published 10 January 2023 Australasia

Abstract

Rural health workforce response to Australia’s recent natural disasters and emergencies, with a focus COVID-19

Nott S, Colbran R, Edwards M.

Published 10 January 2023 Australasia

Abstract

Educational change in a crisis: what has changed and what is here to stay in undergraduate teaching and learning in General Practice

Kyne K, Barrett A.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

The Virtual Rural Generalist Service – a COVID-19 resilient support service for rural and remote communities

Nott S.

Published 10 January 2023 Australasia

Abstract

Sustainable protocol-based management of hypertension in one institution in northern Malawi

Hastings G, O'Connor R, Hunt M, Harrington P, Gallagher J, Ledwidge M.

Published 10 January 2023 Africa

Abstract

A networked approach to addressing COVID-19 in rural and remote Australia

Nott S, Hawthorn M.

Published 10 January 2023 Australasia

Abstract

GPs at the Edge: GATE, a qualitative investigation into the experience of delivering care in Irish Rural General Practice

Homeniuk R, O'Callaghan M, Casey M, Glynn L.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

GPs at the Edge: a quantitative description of Irish Rural General Practice

Stanley F, Homeniuk R, O'Callaghan M, Casey M, Collins C, Glynn L.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

Facilitators and barriers to the introduction of atrial fibrillation screening in primary care: a qualitative descriptive study of general practitioners in primary care

Callanan A, Bayat F, Quinlan D, Kearney P, Buckley C, Smith S, Bradley C.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

A mixed-methods evaluation of an Irish remote model of opioid substitution treatment

Crowley D, Collins C, Cullen W, Harkin K, Homeniuk R, Delargy I.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

Sustainability in practice: ScotGEM (Scottish Graduate Entry Medicine) students’ quality improvement projects in primary care – reducing the environmental impact of health care

ScotGEM Students.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

Supporting farmer wellbeing: exploring a potential role for farm advisory staff

Hammersley C, Richardson N, Meredith D, Carroll P, McNamara J.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

Health promoting sports clubs: from theory to intervention

Van Hoye A, Woods C, Johnson S, Geidne S, Donaldson A, Rostan F, Lemonnier F, Vuillemin A.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

Implementation of virtual reality in the rehabilitation of patients suffering from axial spondyloarthritis

Paul A, Connolly J, Condell J.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

‘Attorneys of the Poor’: the lived experience of general practitioners working in disadvantaged parts of rural Ireland

Hayes C.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

Preliminary findings from the early phases of the Music and Movement for Health study: the feasibility of an arts-based health programme for older adults

Clifford A, Byrne S, Ni Bhriain O, Cheung P, Sheikhi A, Woods C, O'Neill D, Gowran R, Glynn L, Moss H, Louw Q, Thebane L, Coote S, Salsberg J.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

Don’t bring COVID home for Christmas – analysing emerging themes during COVID-19 through lenses of care homes and universities in Finland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Sweden

White A, Hines F.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

Screening unfixed cadavers with handheld ultrasound as a new teaching modality

Son M, Thomas A, Jackson G, Banh D, Terlizzese T, Oh J, Burrows J, Vedantam R, Quach S, Gibson J.

Published 10 January 2023 North America

Abstract

Exploring options to strengthen rural health care: comparing the United States of America and United Kingdom

Gale J.

Published 10 January 2023 North America

Abstract

Mid-career graduate practice outcomes of the James Cook University medical school: key insights from the first 20 years

Sen Gupta T, Woolley T, Paton K.

Published 10 January 2023 Australasia

Abstract

A return-on-investment analysis of impacts on James Cook University medical students and rural workforce resulting from participation in extended rural placements

Sen Gupta T, Woolley T, Stewart RA, Hollins A.

Published 10 January 2023 Australasia

Abstract

The use of the UCLan Mountain Medicine and other Masters programmes as a recruitment tool for healthcare organisations with difficulties in recruitment and retention

Sanders T, Maitland-Knibb S.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

A meta aggregation of qualitative research on retention of general practitioners in remote Canada and Australia

Wieland L, Ayton JE, Abernethy G.

Published 10 January 2023 Australasia

Abstract

Aeromedical retrievals as a measure of potentially preventable hospitalisations and cost comparison with provision of GP-led primary health care in a remote community

Wieland L, Abernethy G.

Published 10 January 2023 Australasia

Abstract

ScotGEM – an update on Scotland’s only graduate-entry rural generalist-focused undergraduate programme, including student career intentions

Dowell J, O'Malley A, MacFarlane AD, Gupta S.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

A qualitative perspective on what factors influence ScotGEM students’ career intentions

MacFarlane AD, Gupta S, Dowell J, O'Malley A.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

Collaboration to reduce antibiotic use and resistance and identify opportunities for improvement and awareness (CARA)

Parveen S, D’Aquin M, Porwol L, Collins C, O'Callaghan M, Vornhagen H, Garcia Pereira A, Vellinga A.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

A physiotherapy-led transition to home intervention for older adults following Emergency Department discharge: a pilot feasibility randomised controlled trial

Conneely M, Leahy A, O’Connor M, Gabr A, Okpaje B, Saleh A, Corey G, Barry L, Griffin A, O’Shaughnessy Í, Ryan L, O’Carroll I, Leahy S, Trépel D, Ryan D, Robinson K, Galvin R.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

Early supported discharge for older adults admitted to hospital with medical complaints: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Williams S, Morrissey A, Steed F, Leahy A, Shanahan E, Peters C, O’Connor M, Galvin R, O'Riordan C.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

Recruitment and retention of staff in rural dispensing practice

Cross R, McDonagh S, Cockcroft E, Turner M, Isom M, Lambourn R, Campbell J, Clark CE.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

Benefits and limitations of the transfer online of Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) continuing medical education (CME) small group learning (SGL) during COVID-19: a national Delphi study

Dowling S, Minihan F, McNicholas C, Byrne L, Harrold P, Bourke J, Cullen W, Doran G.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

Creating a community leadership role for non-complex ENT care

Warren C, Carroll C.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

Nursing in rural, remote and isolated settings: a literature review

Harnett G, Collins M.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

Rural health: strengthening primary health care in Kisumu County, Kenya

Amihanda R, Odhus CO.

Published 10 January 2023 Africa

Abstract

Pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics for vulnerable groups in the Midlands

O'Reilly F, McLoughlin M, Hamilton D, Todd J.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

Reducing rural isolation through music: telehealth music therapy for community dwelling people living with dementia and their family caregivers in rural Ireland

Kelly L, Richardson I, Moss H.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

A pilot cluster randomised controlled trial of a peer-delivered outreach community-based smoking cessation intervention for women living in disadvantaged communities in Ireland

Hayes CB, Patterson J, Castello S, Burke E, O'Connell N, Darker C, Vance J, Bauld L, Dobbie F, Loudon K, Devane D, Dougall N.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

Rural health frontiers: exploring insights, lessons, and priority actions identified through a global 40-speaker webinar series on rural health equity

Koller TS, Chater AB.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

Does farming experience matter? A comparison of farm health and safety attitudes, perceptions, and intentions of agricultural science students with and without farming experience

Mohammadrezaei M, Meredith D, Flannery S, Kinsella J, McNamara J.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

Towards an Integrated Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring SolutIoN for Stroke/TIA in Ireland: a mixed methods feasibility study for the TASMIN5S IRL randomised controlled trial

Doogue R, Hayes P, Hebert R, Sheikhi A, Rai T, Morton K, Roman C, McManus R, Glynn L.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

SLÁINTE 4C Healthier Communities: capacity, culture and collaboration for community health in education and research at the University of Limerick

Cummins N, Abdalla M, Elmusharaf K, Kelly D, MacFarlane A, Glynn L.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

Are we there yet?' Distance to definitive care for Irish patients in the Better Data, Better Planning (BDBP) study

Cummins N, Barry L, Garavan C, Devlin C, Corey G, Cummins F, Ryan D, Cronin S, Wallace E, McCarthy G, Galvin R.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

Nasal flu vaccine: attitudes and perceptions of parents who use social media

Abo Halima Y, Kiroplis I, Hickey O, Hayes P, O’Donnell P.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

Self-monitoring for improving control of blood pressure in patients with hypertension: a Cochrane intervention review

Doogue R, Hayes P, Tucker K, Fahey T, Sheikhi A, Koshiaris C, Glynn L.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

Valuing rural hospitals – the Australian experience

Chater AB, Webster S.

Published 10 January 2023 Australasia

Abstract

Developing a Robotic and Autonomic Medical Evacuation (RAS MEDEVAC) capability for remote and rural populations

McGrath M, Maitland-Knibb S, Sanders T.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

My Health, My Language – multilingual video messages on health in Ireland

Clifford C.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

Reimagining rural cancer care – the Butaro Cancer Center of Excellence (BCCOE) in Rwanda

Tuli S.

Published 10 January 2023 Africa

Abstract

Clare Island Digital Health Project – using technology to enable health for all

Murray A, Lineen-Curtis N, Worlikar H, O'Keeffe D.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

Extreme Makeover in a health center: LEAN methodology applied to clinical practice

Nuno Lopes M, Monteiro S.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

'Consultas em dia': consultations at the day care center for the elderly

Nuno Lopes M, Monteiro S, Barata Coutinho A.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

EcoHealth Center: reduce, reuse, recycle!

Monteiro S, Nuno Lopes M, Barata Coutinho A.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

Barriers and solutions for the integrated care of diabetic patients from the point of view of general practitioners in Latvia

Behmane D, Kozlovska L.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

Implementing the Community Healthcare Network Model in Mid West community health care

Boyle M, Geary A.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

Decision making capacity assessment in general practice in Ireland

Davidson H, Leo R, McKittrick S, O’Donnell P, Jalali A, Spain E.

Published 10 January 2023 Europe

Abstract

Enhancing the local workforce outcomes for rural LICs: what is the role of the local health service in leading innovation in medical education?

Champion W, Eske H, Frahn S, McLeod J, Olesnicky A, Phegan C, Sims C, Worley P.

Published 10 January 2023 Australasia