Original Research
Barriers and facilitators to continuous quality improvement engagement among rural physicians in British Columbia, Canada: a mixed-methods study
AUTHORS
Dawson Born1 MD
Brenna M Lynn1 PhD, Associate Dean of Continuing Professional Development * 
Bob Bluman MD, Executive Medical Director
Ray Markham2 MD
Vernon Curran3,1 PhD, Associate Dean of Educational Development, Professor of Medical Education
AFFILIATIONS
1 Division of Continuing Professional Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 3X7, Canada
2 Rural Coordination Centre of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6J 1X1, Canada
3 Division of Population Health and Applied Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1C 5S7, Canada
ACCEPTED: 6 September 2024
early abstract:
Introduction: Rural physician engagement in continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities is vital to improving quality of care, patient safety, and healthcare delivery efficiencies. However, there is a lack of evidence surrounding the barriers and facilitators to CQI uptake across rural medical practices. This study aimed to explore enablers and barriers to CQI implementation and identify ways to foster greater engagement of rural physicians.
Methods: A mixed-methods triangulation study design was undertaken encompassing a survey and focus group interviews with physicians practising in rural communities of British Columbia, Canada.
Results: The survey was distributed to 1,584 rural physicians and 299 responses were received (response rate of 19%). Seven focus groups were conducted with 33 participants. Survey respondents indicated strong support towards CQI and the benefits of improved patient outcomes and practice quality. Less than half (47%) of respondents had participated in a CQI initiative within the recent 2 years. Key barriers to CQI engagement included time constraints, limited knowledge of CQI principles, and a lack of understanding of accessing and using relevant data. Key motivators for CQI engagement were opportunities for peer collaboration and receiving practice improvement feedback. Key enablers included more usable and accessible data and appropriate staffing resources to assist with undertaking CQI activities.
Conclusions: Given rural physicians’ time demands, better support systems are required to enhance rural physician engagement in systematic CQI activities. Specific support areas include dedicated CQI staff resources and better practice data systems and processes to support CQI initiatives.
Keywords: continuous quality improvement, focus group, mixed-methods, questionnaire, rural physicians, survey.