ID-5184 Wonca Abstracts supplement A-K 13-10-23 - Flipbook - Page 267
WONCA 2023 Supplement 1: WONCA 2023 abstracts (A–K)
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Prevocational Integrated Extended Rural Clinical
Experience (PIERCE): Starting the journey into rural medical
practice
A/Prof Dale Hanson
Queensland Rural Generalist Pathway
Background
The Prevocational Integrated Extended Rural Clinical Experience (PIERCE) is a rural prevocational
clinical placement piloted at three Queensland rural hospitals in 2015.
PIERCE is based on the demonstrated successes of longitudinal integrated clerkships in
undergraduate medical programs where they delivered training outcomes equal to or better than
traditional block rotations at a regional specialist referral hospital.
Aims
The aim of PIERCE is to increase the core clinical training (CCT) capacity of the Queensland rural
generalist pathway (QRGP) and strengthen trainee commitment to rural practice by providing an early,
authentic rural clinical experience.
Methods
This qualitative study compared the experience and perceptions of QRGP prevocational trainees
undertaking CCT during a PIERCE placement at a rural hospital with a matched sample of QRGP
trainees undertaking CCT at a regional specialist referral hospital. A representative sample of PIERCE
supervisors from the three training sites was interviewed to assess the perceived value and impact of
the placement on the rural hospital.
Interviews were conducted, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. After coding, no new
codes were required to explain the results (ie data saturation was achieved).
Results
PIERCE provides an authentic rural training experience for QRGP trainees that promotes trainee
engagement with and increasingly meaningful ‘hands-on’ contribution as a valued and productive
member of the rural medical community. Importantly, PIERCE establishes trainee mentoring
relationships with senior rural colleagues that consolidate and strengthen trainee commitment to a
rural outcome.
Conclusion
PIERCE provides a valued rural training experience for participating QRGP trainees. It promotes
engagement with a rural community and established mentoring relationships with senior rural
colleagues that strengthen trainee commitment to a rural outcome.
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