Perceptions of improved wellbeing and social isolation among medical students during rural clinical school (RCS) placements: a six-year analysis

Objective: To investigate the trends in the perceived social isolation and improved wellbeing of Australian medical students over a 6-year period (2017–2022) during their rural clinical school (RCS) placements. Methods: Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regressions to identify the trends and factors contributing to perceived social isolation and improved wellbeing during RCS placements. Design: This is a retrospective, cross-sectional study of the 2017–2022 FRAME (Federation of Rural Australian Medical Educators) dataset. Participants: Data were collected from 2915 Australian medical students who completed RCS placements. Setting: Respondents were located at RCS placements across 19 Australian universities. Main Outcome Measures: The main outcomes were self-reported social isolation and improvement in wellbeing. Results: Over 30% of respondents reported experiencing social isolation. Factors contributing to social isolation were preference to practice in a capital city and lack of financial or overall support from the RCS, while lack of academic isolation was protective. More than 80% of respondents perceived the RCS placement had a positive impact on their wellbeing. Positive influences on wellbeing were associated with active role-modelling of self-care, support services and mentorship by a rural-based clinician. The COVID-19 years did not significantly impact perceived social isolation or improved wellbeing. Conclusions: Most medical students on RCS placements reported positive impacts on their wellbeing, while over 30% experienced social isolation. Targeted support strategies that reduce social isolation and enhance student wellbeing on rural placements may help improve rural workforce retention and address healthcare shortages.