Perceptions of Improved Wellbeing and Social Isolation Among Medical Students During Rural Clinical School ( RCS ) Placements: A Six‐Year Analysis

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the trends in the perceived social isolation and improved wellbeing of Australian medical students over a 6-year period (2017-2022) during their rural clinical school (RCS) placements. METHODS: Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regressions to identify the trends and factors contributing to perceived social isolation and improved wellbeing during RCS placements. DESIGN: This is a retrospective, cross-sectional study of the 2017-2022 FRAME (Federation of Rural Australian Medical Educators) dataset. PARTICIPANTS: Data were collected from 2915 Australian medical students who completed RCS placements. SETTING: Respondents were located at RCS placements across 19 Australian universities. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcomes were self-reported social isolation and improvement in wellbeing. RESULTS: Over 30% of respondents reported experiencing social isolation. Factors contributing to social isolation were preference to practice in a capital city and lack of financial or overall support from the RCS, while lack of academic isolation was protective. More than 80% of respondents perceived the RCS placement had a positive impact on their wellbeing. Positive influences on wellbeing were associated with active role-modelling of self-care, support services and mentorship by a rural-based clinician. The COVID-19 years did not significantly impact perceived social isolation or improved wellbeing. CONCLUSIONS: Most medical students on RCS placements reported positive impacts on their wellbeing, while over 30% experienced social isolation. Targeted support strategies that reduce social isolation and enhance student wellbeing on rural placements may help improve rural workforce retention and address healthcare shortages.