Critical Synthesis Package: SOMERS Index of Rural Career Choice Likelihood

Abstract

Abstract This Critical Synthesis Package contains: (1) a Critical Analysis of the psychometric properties and utility of the Stated Optional, Medical, Ease, and Rural Status (SOMERS) Index of Rural Career Choice Likelihood, (2) a copy of the SOMERS Index and notes on use of the index developed by George Somers, PhD. The SOMERS Index of Rural Career Choice Likelihood is a paper-based, six-item measure of intention to practice in a rural environment after medical training. Physician shortages in rural areas are well documented in both developing and developed countries. The authors have developed a straightforward instrument that considers background, interest, comfort and specialty choice as well as stated intention to provide a more complete assessment than any of these factors considered singularly. Use of this instrument is only documented for a single cohort of medical students at a single medical school in Australia. While it appears to have utility for that group, it lacks generalizability. Researchers and educators would need to undertake additional studies of the validity of the SOMERS prior to use in another location, or with post-graduate learners. Additional study is also required to establish whether SOMERS scores are related to actual practice patterns. Additional studies are also needed prior to adaptation or use of the instrument for other health professionals.

Keywords

• Health Equity Research
• DREAM
• Directory and Repository of Educational Assessment Measures
• SOMERS Index
• Rural Practice