We all know how exciting and rewarding remote healthcare can be, but we often don’t talk about the loneliness that can come with these roles. Whilst loneliness is a common human experience, it can be particularly evident among rural and remote health workers due to a number of factors, such as physical, social, or professional isolation.
A 2022 integrative review found that those working in the rural and remote health workforce reported that isolation was a main stressor for participants.¹
The study identified that factors such as a sense of belonging, level of respect in the community, skill development, higher wages, and greater autonomy of practice were all positively associated with retention. However, challenges were also identified, including remoteness, geographical isolation, professional isolation, and the significance of extreme weather and climate, which increased the vulnerability of health workers. There was also a sense of powerlessness and loss due to lack of family interaction and the inability to attend significant events, such as birthdays or anniversaries. All these factors can contribute to a sense of loneliness.
The importance of staying connected to help buffer the effects of loneliness cannot be undervalued.
We’re excited to announce the release of our latest wellbeing resource, Staying connected when working remote.
This resource discusses what loneliness is, common signs of loneliness, strategies you can try to reduce that feeling of loneliness, and ways to support your emotional and physical wellbeing.
References
1. McElroy, M., Wicking, K., Harvey, N. & Yates, K.
