A systematic review of the experiences of International Medical Graduates in adjusting to rural and remote Australian medical practice.

Abstract

Review Objective The objective of this review is to identify the International Medical Graduates‘ experiences, views, attitudes, and perceptions towards working and living in an Australian rural context. Inclusion criteria Type of participants While the current pathways that assist IMGs to enter medical practice in Australia are broad, this review will consider publications that include temporary resident IMGs from English versus non English speaking backgrounds recruited into rural and remote areas through Australia's 5-Year Overseas Trained Doctor Scheme regardless of duration of their length of experience in Rural Australia. Type of interventions/phenomena of interest This review will consider studies that investigate the difficulties these IMGs face in the process of adapting to a rural health service such as cultural shock, difficult working conditions, isolation, and family issues. In addition, their positive experiences in terms of factors or strategies that help them to adapt to their new working and living rural environment (such as social and cultural capital, local community awareness, health resources), will also be investigated. Type of outcome The types of data will incorporate IMGs experiential accounts of working in rural and remote communities in Australia.