PC2071: “Otherwise I Would Have Quit!" a Pediatric Provider Group Supports, Engages, and Retains Providers in a Rural and Underserved Area

Background: Approximately 50% of the United States population lives in rural areas. Disparities in primary and specialty care health outcomes are well documented. One barrier to health care equity in rural areas is longitudinal access to primary and specialist care. Many rural areas are underserved, meaning that they do not have an adequate number of providers for the population. Providers in rural areas identify isolation, lack of camaraderie, and difficulty navigating often underresourced health care systems as barriers to longevity in the community. We describe a support group for primary care and specialty providers in Central and Eastern Washington. Central and Eastern Washington is largely rural, with up to 20% of the population living below the poverty line and, in some areas, nearly 50% of patients speaking a language other than English at home.

Methods: In 2015, the rural pediatrician group was formed in Central Washington. All general and subspecialist pediatricians in Central and Eastern Washington were invited to participate. Feedback was sought after each meeting.

Results: There are currently 42 active members, of whom 33 are pediatric primary care providers (30 physicians and three advanced practice providers), four are pediatric hospitalists, one is a neonatologist, one is a behavioral health specialist, one is a pediatric urologist, one is a registered nurse, and one is a hospital liaison. Five providers have been in practice in the region for more than two decades and five have been in practice in the region for two years or less. In the seven years since inception, we have held quarterly, 90-minute meetings that are generally attended by 12-20 members. Topics discussed include current local, regional, and National Health issues, legislative priorities, specific community needs, provider challenges, and a report from the hospital liaison. Approximately twice a year, state legislators are invited to attend to discuss legislative priorities pertinent to children and families. Meetings were held in person until the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and since then have been held virtually. All meeting participants (100%) have identified the meetings as being helpful in providing support, building community, staying updated on population health care needs, providing an avenue to discuss legislative issues with lawmakers, and mitigating burnout.

Conclusion: In summary, establishing a community of providers can increase provider satisfaction and retention in rural and underserved areas.