OBJECTIVE: This paper argues that rural and remote health is in need of theoretical development. DESIGN: Based on the authors' discussions, reflections and critical analyses of literature, this paper proposes key reasons why rural and remote health warrants the development of theoretical frameworks. RESULTS: The paper cites five reasons why theory is needed: (i) theory provides an approach for how a topic is studied; (ii) theory articulates key assumptions in knowledge development; (iii) theory systematises knowledge, enabling it to be transferable; (iv) theory provides predictability; and (v) theory enables comprehensive understanding. CONCLUSION: This paper concludes with a call for theoretical development in both rural and remote health to expand its knowledge and be more relevant to improving health care for rural Australians.
OBJECTIVE: This paper argues that rural and remote health is in need of theoretical development. DESIGN: Based on the authors' discussions, reflections and critical analyses of literature, this paper proposes key reasons why rural and remote health warrants the development of theoretical frameworks. RESULTS: The paper cites five reasons why theory is needed: (i) theory provides an approach for how a topic is studied; (ii) theory articulates key assumptions in knowledge development; (iii) theory systematises knowledge, enabling it to be transferable; (iv) theory provides predictability; and (v) theory enables comprehensive understanding. CONCLUSION: This paper concludes with a call for theoretical development in both rural and remote health to expand its knowledge and be more relevant to improving health care for rural Australians.
Authors: Chris G Buse; Sandra Allison; Donald C Cole; Raina Fumerton; Margot Winifred Parkes; Robert F Woollard Journal: Front Public Health Date: 2022-05-26
Authors: Joanne Lawrence-Bourne; Hazel Dalton; David Perkins; Jane Farmer; Georgina Luscombe; Nelly Oelke; Nasser Bagheri Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-10-01 Impact factor: 3.390