e-HLbc was proud to sponsor the Rural Health Workforce Symposium and to showcase our partnerships and databases during the three-day event, held in Prince George. The Symposium brought together 85 educators, health care practitioners and government representatives to share information, discuss the health needs of rural communities, and explore strategies for collaboration and action.

Participants heard from a number of speakers representing First Nations communities, health and medical professions, education, research, and policy.  There were several facilitated small group workshops that used the World Cafe model to focus conversations on five themes:

• linking rural health research, education and service delivery
• increasing capacity for healthcare education for and with rural communities
• educational preparation for rural collaborative practice
• integration of recruitment and retention strategies in rural education
• aboriginal communities and workforce development.

The workshop goals were to identify successes and their root causes, and then determine key elements for future successful actions.  There were lively discussions throughout the three days. The commitment of the participants to work toward practical solutions was impressive. e-HLbc was promoted as a model for collaboration that adds value to teaching, learning, research and practice. The challenges for rural health are complex, yet there was a shared understanding that it is through education and collaboration that changes can be made.

The workshop discussions produced common elements for future actions: access to resources; community engagement; connecting communities; education continuum; integration of research, policy and action; and promoting and sustaining relationships.  These were discussed in small groups who generated strategies for action. The whole group then determined priorities for next steps. We agreed that it would be very useful to set up a network of our organizations and key individuals to further develop our collective goals. The intent now is to have another symposium this Fall to draft a plan of action which build on the outcomes of the Prince George conference. For more information, see the Rural Health Workforce Symposium website.

Nancy Levesque, University Library Director, Thompson Rivers University
e-HLbc Co-Chair