Volume 14

This Editorial marks the 2014 launch of the Latin American regional section of RRH, under Professor Leonardo Vieira Targa's leadership. Its message is clear: "Read, contribute and publicise!", with the aim of improving the health of all rural Latin American populations.

What are the mutual benefits when rural health researchers actively collaborate with community-based stakeholders? This innovative editorial is from Canada.

Few specific health conditions have been thoroughly studied in the rural context. A case in point is the experience of rural women and 'health attack' symptoms. The qualitative research presented here attempts to address a knowledge gap for both clinicians and community members.

Chronic disease management in rural settings often involves women as caregivers. Concerns about the health of this group are the focus of this study which linked levels of hope to mental and physical health.

What is "the green referral channel", and how can it contribute to reduced hospitalisation costs for rural patients in China?

Essential improvements in nutrition can be challenging for rural populations facing numerous health and nutrition challenges. The authors address important issue with regard to influencing healthy choices.

To improve health practice in a given location, established principles must be locally, and culturally, relevant. Building on previous publications, these authors address the development of pharmaceutical curriculum in Fiji and the Solomon Islands.

Can a mobile-phone communication network inform and improve the crucial activities of lay health workers in the developing world?

New information to inform prevention programs for the locally known but potentially life-threatening 'kissing bug' in rural Latin America.

In rural, rabies-prevalent areas, can prevention efforts be enhanced by location-specific data? - these Canadian researchers provide the evidence.

More Australian data on the rural medical workforce impact of extended undergraduate rural clinical placement: this study tracked early career movements of University of Adelaide Rural Clinical School students.

Are you curious about the concept of age friendliness? Then read this article that presents findings from a rural Manitoba survey to discover if the chosen communities are 'age friendly'.

The clinical demands of rural nursing are universal. This Canadian study has implications for rural nurses in any region and at any stage of their career.

Do long-term bush nurses share common characteristics that can guide recruitment and retention of nurses in isolated communities? This qualitative research was conducted in Alaska.

Studies on self-medication in Greece are rare, so this report from a community pharmacy in rural Greece will be of particular value to those delivering primary care.

Are rural patients with acute ischemic stroke still at greater risk of morbidity? This study is from Poland.

Despite the Flying Doctor telecommunications tradition from a century ago, the use of technology for health has not fulfilled its current promise in remote Australia. This small study asks why.

Chronic pain appears on course to overwhelm primary care, mental health, and emergency care - especially in rural areas where factors may shape increased demand for services where resources are lacking. The authors review sociodemographic factors that impact healthcare utilization.

Which factors contribute most? This mixed method study from rural Bangladesh identified what encourages and what impedes good hygiene practices.

Is formal self-management the solution for ageing and underserved US rural residents with chronic health conditions?

Nurse shortage represent a serious problem for rural facilities. This article from the US offers a tool to assist communities address recruitment and retention in this important area.

In a dilemma specific to traditional societies, these South African researchers explored whether traditional healers have a role in palliative care in rural areas.

If difficult-to-reach, rural children suffer the burden of dental disease in Australia, does existing data reflect this?

Do the practice intentions of South Africa's soon to graduate 'clinical associates' (physician assistants) offer hope that they can make a difference to its rural workforce crisis?

Why do rural-hospital registered nurses resign? This small but intriguing local Australian study offers generalizable insights to further understanding of a concerning rural workforce issue.

In a multilingual, rural context, technology can support face-to-face visual acuity assessment.

Are there barriers or facilitators to re-engaging retired midwives in answer to a remote Australian workforce crisis?

More Australian data on whether regionally-located medical schools and undergrad rural placements translate to boosts in rural practice?

There is little available literature on sexual assaults in rural areas. This qualitative study included interviews with legal experts to generate information about their experiences. The results will be useful not only for forensic nursing, but also for other rural-based community workers and agencies.

What are the perceptions of body weight and eating-related weight control among First Nation youth? This community-based quantitative exploratory study offers insights and recommendations.

Predictors of this common antenatal complication were explored, with some surprises in the outcome.

Colorectal cancer can be identified and treated effectively at an early stage, but barriers to care may mean that patients present at an advanced stage.

Does a collaborative-educational approach to rural practice in South Africa enhance disciplinary expertise?

Telehealth is now a common rural health service strategy evaluation of its effectiveness is still lacking. This article discusses research involving the TeleLink Nunavut Mental Health Program, providing valuable insights for potential application in other remote settings.

How to make this novel strategy for improving rural health sustainable: what the health workers think.

Rural low income women often have high rates of obesity. They also face challenges regarding education Can a goal-setting intervention be effective in moving toward behavioral change? How do individual, social, and environmental factors impact goal setting?

In its focus on a recent assessment of the pediatric component of the US Indian Health Service EMS, this article offers information on infrastructural challenges - as well as proposed solutions.

Changes to continuity for longitudinal curricula represent challenges for rural physicians, staff, and sites. What should developers anticipate and how can they convey the long term gains?

In a less than certain world, how do rural high school students from two European countries manage their concerns about the future and maintain psychological health?

Clinical practice demands greater cultural competency and health professional education needs to prepare clinicians, but studies that encompass the variety of rural cultures and locations are lacking. With this in mind, breastfeeding in Hispanic rural populations is a most worthy area of study.

New knowledge about rural palliative care team-work adds value when devising rural palliative care services.

Based on intervention research, the authors discuss three key findings related to dental care among Aboriginal children in Canada.

Telehealth is often used to address health needs in rural and remote locations. This article expands our understanding of possible applications through a discussion of its use with rural Canadians with dementia.

If your question is "Why might rural parents inaccurately estimate their child's BMI?", this US research may provide some understanding.

This study reports on the development of a culturally-adapted activity to address early childhood caries, a significant issue among Aboriginal communities in Canada, and in other Indigenous groups globally.

One size fits all in primary care? This research suggests the many elements at play in Canadian rural settings can make a world of difference in family practice.

In the context of an ageing workforce, this timely study defines crucial issues to keeping older health professionals in the rural workplace.

How do dementia patients in rural areas manage their health? This exploratory study discusses a sample of patients from the Rural and Remote Memory Clinic (Saskatchewan, Canada) and describes their eating and activity behaviors. There are numerous implications for caregivers and agencies in any rural area.

Can OSCE informed by specific best practice guidelines enhance RANs' ability to provide appropriate, individualised care in remote Australia?

Rural health issues often focus on diseases and conditions rather than life transitions. In this qualitative study, the perceptions of rural community health nurses who provide palliative care in residential settings provide findings useful in understanding this major life transition in this specific geographic context.

For rural dwellers, the outcome of an eye disorder is likely to depend on timely access to appropriate care. Barriers to ideal care in Nigeria were identified, and also remedies suggested.

In rural communities, near visual impairment can make fine occupational tasks and pass-times difficult, disappointing or downright impossible. This study from one community suggests the prevalence of this problem is very high in rural Africa, with a scarcity of the simplest solution to the problem, viz. corrective spectacles.

This landmark Irish study presents the case for location comparison in addiction service-user data to effectively manage youth substance misuse.

In remote Scotland, rurality and distance may no longer impede diagnostic accuracy for GP-managed patients with heart failure.

Screening mammograms are an important strategy in diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Screening can be challenging when there are barriers to overcome - barriers more common in rural health. Are time, distance, and weather conditions limiting breast cancer outcomes for rural women?

The Appalachian literature illustrates folk remedies, rituals and moonshine but do Appalachians use complementary and alternative medicine at higher rates? The authors explore this question with rural Appalachians.

Does rurality plus chronic illness equal the same life-quality outcome globally? This Polish study adds to the evidence.

The increasing incidence of Alzheimer's disease represents a worldwide challenge for patients, caregivers, providers - and those who pay for health care. Rural and remote locations can magnify the issue, in this instance in rural Saskatchewan where there is a higher elderly population, and resources, providers, and payments can all be strained.

Implementing an innovative rural education model in South Africa: how do students experience the rural clinical environment and community immersion?

A national Australian survey identified barriers to rural and remote GPs' evidence-based management of diabetes.

Is rural residence associated with inappropriate care of neonates in Pakistan?

Infectious diarrhoea among Indigenous child populations is a global concern. This research evaluates a novel therapy in an rural-referral Australian hospital.

What are the challenges of rural rehabilitation practice? This study from British Columbia explored the rehabilitation practice of physical and occupational therapists with this question in mind.

Even in rural areas of developed regions, low birth weight neonates have the high level of care often required. However in rural areas of low-income countries, low birth weight may not even be detected. This study evaluated the impact of an existing volunteer workforce using a simple intervention to identify infants at risk.

Are there variations for occupational and physical therapy based on living and working in a rural setting? This qualitative study examined hand injury among rural residents to determine how they manage to work and live in the rural setting.

In exploring the impact of a shift from full-time practising clinician to clinical teacher, South African specialists in a new rural clinical school demonstrated a commitment and genuine concern for students that is common to many in rural medical education.

Is there a flaw in Indonesia's planning efforts for HPAI?

With increasing efforts to address the complexity of Aboriginal health status, this timely article reports on an Outdoor Adventure Leadership Experience (OALE) among Aboriginal youth participants in Canada. The lessons learned may apply to your own work with Aboriginal participants.

In India, where early diagnosis is key to TB control, are secondary rural hospitals offering diagnostic and treatment practices to national standards?

In common with other nations, in the Lao People's Democratic Republic there is a shortage of qualified rural and remote health workers. This unique study of the rural practice intention of Lao health science students yielded clear and specific strategies for use in this location, as well as adding to the global literature.

With COPD morbidity higher in rural areas and disease management more difficult, this Polish study examined an addressable contributing factor - the socioeconomic status of farmers.

Rural practice settings in the United States face a number of serious challenges with regard to recruitment and retention of clinician workforce. Telehealth solutions are finally in a position to have impact - but will this technology aid in the recruitment and retention of health professionals?

Do the personal health priorities of Indigenous and non-Indigenous remote mining town residents match Australian National Health Priorities - and do they add knowledge required to 'close the gap'?

Do the reindeer herders of the Russian North have a nutritional advantage over their urban counterparts?

An intriguing Australian study that challenges 'current wisdom' and the economics of providing clinical services to remote communities.

Food insecurity is a constant issue in a number of isolated communities. This article focuses on the implementation of a greenhouse in a remote, sub-Arctic community offering many lessons to be learned about the process.

Across the world, countries struggle to organise education and funding systems for equitable access to health services and clinicians. Could failure to achieve this in the USA be predicted from analysis of recent health and education policy? This commentary suggests this is so - but will we learn the lessons?

This commentary suggests the issue of credentialing Australian Indigenous health workers is as complex as their scope of practice, while offering new factors for consideration.

Those who live in rural and remote areas where access to healthcare services is reduced need the highest quality primary health care. This Australian commentary reflects on PHC performance: as it was, as it is now, and what can be learned.

A gap in the literature? Does the interprofessional nature of rural practice offer opportunities from the evolving role of paramedics?

Maldistribution of dental practitioners to rural locations is a global concern. This review of the international literature identified both motivators for and disincentives to rural dental practice to assist with local and policy planning.

Research can help to raise awareness of specific risk factors and their prevalence in certain populations. These authors review existing studies involving rural and Aboriginal populations in Iberoamerica and the Caribbean.

An international review that offers a definition to encompass the wide scope of practice of an, as yet, poorly defined Australian paramedic group.

'Reflexivity' - the theory and methods of a new tool for those committed to culturally appropriate health research.

In cardiac emergencies, time is money - and heart muscle lost. Delays in intervention impact lives, health costs, economics, morbidity, and mortality. In urban settings advanced technician EKG transmission often occurs with direct transport to intervention facilities. In rural areas, stacked with basic emergency medical technicians, cardiac care with EKGs could and should be similarly advanced.

If you are concerned with rural women's health, this comprehensive review and analysis will be compelling reading.

Diabetes is a major health problem with serious impacts in rural America. This useful review of the literature examines what works specifically for rural adult populations.

A review of an international rural issue with an Australian focus highlights the shortfalls of research.

This case series from regional Australia alerts clinicians to a novel potential summer effect of a widely prescribed hypotensive medication.

An information-rich review that will raise clinical awareness of this emerging infectious disease for those working with rural and other populations.

Self-identified 'GP surgeons' and these researchers attempt to define the role, the people and the training.

Short communication presents technology that can bypass recall delays for patients with diabetes who live in remote locations.

What is 'purple crying', and how does it relate to Australian rural infant health and wellbeing? This short communication is from far north Queensland.

How to get started - and succeed: valuable advice for early career researchers.

Recruitment and retention of health professionals for rural and remote settings continues to be a challenge. This short communication focuses on rehabilitation professionals in Northern Ontario. Insights gained and provided can be compared and contrasted with that from other groups, such as nurses and physicians.

Nations in transition are concerned about avoiding the tendency to obesity increasingly seen in the West. Can Brazil improve education and nutrition while avoiding obesity and worsening chronic disease in its developing rural populations?

Can public health initiatives reduce disparities between vulnerable and dominant US ethnic groups?

This study is a "wake-up call" to researchers to focus on a community health problem for the American Indians or Alaska Natives (AIAN) populations.

How to measure access disadvantage: does driving time give the whole picture in rural Japan?

Two decades since the introduction of quad bikes, they are the leading cause of death in Australian agriculture. This prompted the formulation of guidelines to keep farm people safe.

Remote and isolated floating villages provide special challenges in Cambodian rural health delivery. This project report describes an equally special primary care intervention in this region.

Living with HIV in PNG: what the corporate sector can offer a national epidemic response.

Converting crisis into opportunity: dreaming, planning and devising South Africa's first Clinical Associate graduates.

From Japan's only medical school to produce only rural doctors, a transferable approach to rural research and publication.

Medical schools have a poor track record with regard to addressing workforce for Aboriginal cultures. Much effort is required to redirect student experiences before and during training. Visit this important area of rural and remote health with the Northern Ontario authors.

How the combination of distance learning modules with faculty contact sessions helped recent Indian medical graduates to perform in small rural hospitals.

This Australian model may help supply and retain skilled clinicians where they are much needed: the paediatric physiotherapy workforce.

Lessons learned from the development of a community-based first aid training program in a remote Canadian Aboriginal community may be useful in other locations with similar circumstances.

In a widely dispersed rural population, is there a way to identify individuals at risk with diabetes, potentially saving the burden of travel to services - and loss of vision.

Personal view offers guidance for managers to align MPS with unique rural/remote community needs.

This obituary celebrates the life of an exceptional African academic, teacher, mentor and person.

This landmark e-publication, launched at 2014 Rural WONCA in Gramado, is a gift to rural doctors and educators from the 'who's who' of rural medical education worldwide.