Rural Health Care Providers' Educational Needs Related to Agricultural Exposures
Author: Mazza, J.J.
Date Published: 1997
This study queried health care providers from a six-state area of the upper Midwest and underscores the inadequacies expressed by providers in their practice environment. Self-reported competency in the diagnosis and treatment of some of the more unique health problems encountered was inadequate for virtually all study participants. This was particularly evident in the maladies resulting from exposures to pesticides, volatile organic chemicals, noxious gases, and zoonotic diseases, with fewer than 40% of rural physicians admitting competency. A constant dilemma exists in developing comprehensive, professional education programs and materials for rural health care providers because of the myriad of medical, cultural, socioeconomic, ethical, occupational, environmental, and behavioral issues that influence both the patient/client exposed to agricultural hazards, and the rural health care provider. In conclusion, study results drew attention to the limited availability of professional educational materials, as well as professional training resources. Conference programs, seminars, computer software, as well as published journals, periodicals, and newsletters, all have important roles in providing continuing education to the providers but these means of extending educational information must be better organized, made more available, and updated on a regular, frequent basis.
Date Published: 1997
This study queried health care providers from a six-state area of the upper Midwest and underscores the inadequacies expressed by providers in their practice environment. Self-reported competency in the diagnosis and treatment of some of the more unique health problems encountered was inadequate for virtually all study participants. This was particularly evident in the maladies resulting from exposures to pesticides, volatile organic chemicals, noxious gases, and zoonotic diseases, with fewer than 40% of rural physicians admitting competency. A constant dilemma exists in developing comprehensive, professional education programs and materials for rural health care providers because of the myriad of medical, cultural, socioeconomic, ethical, occupational, environmental, and behavioral issues that influence both the patient/client exposed to agricultural hazards, and the rural health care provider. In conclusion, study results drew attention to the limited availability of professional educational materials, as well as professional training resources. Conference programs, seminars, computer software, as well as published journals, periodicals, and newsletters, all have important roles in providing continuing education to the providers but these means of extending educational information must be better organized, made more available, and updated on a regular, frequent basis.
