Using social network analysis approach in developing rural psychiatrist workforce

Objective: This study examines how rural and remote junior doctors career decisions are influenced by highly connected principles within a discipline. Methods: Social network analysis was completed with data collected, by structured interview, with five psychiatry trainees and three early career psychiatrists in a rural location rated MM3 using the Modified Monash Model. UNICET software was used to determine the interactions between individual networks to look for overlap and common influencers. Results: A single central, highly connected, psychiatrist was found at the core of the entire social network. This connector was instrumental in recruitment and retention in rural psychiatry workforce. Conclusion: Improving the understanding of human capital can encourage innovative solutions in developing sustainable strategies for recruiting and retaining rural psychiatry workforces.