Table 5 Summary of outcomes utilised to characterise success

Service outcomes

Perceived improvement in quality, safety of care or higher standards of practice

15, 39, 41, 47, 49, 54, 70, 71, 77

Change in organisational culture

34, 36, 37, 44

Improvement in access to care and clinic efficiency (perceived)

41 53, 56, 76

Improved ‘actioning’ of issues

33, 34

Increased certification of practitioners

74

Cost and time savings

71

Reduction in travel

71

Improved referral pathways, connections or collaboration

66

Staff (including programme) outcomes

Increases in self-reported knowledge, confidence and competence in practice, skills and/or clinical decision-making

15, 33, 41, 44, 46, 48, 49, 52, 54, 59, 60, 61, 71, 72, 75, 76

Content or structure of material or programme perceived as appropriate and relevant by participants

44-46, 49, 53, 54

Retention of staff

39, 40, 49, 66, 75

Greater understanding of role of mentoring or supervision

37, 36, 44

Capacity to attend or participate in programme

49, 52

Improved collaboration with other health workers

41

Knowledge gains

14, 34

Improved attitude towards supervision or mentoring

36, 37

Job satisfaction

15, 71

Improved staff well-being

43

Improved knowledge of roles and knowledge sharing

54

Improved reflective practice

66

Programme outcomes

Attendance and completion rates

14, 33, 34, 36, 37, 43, 45, 54, 57, 59, 72, 76

Sustainability of programme

34, 36, 37, 43, 47, 48, 54, 56

Knowledge translation to other rural practitioners and organisations

48, 54, 76

Engagement with the programme

33, 54, 59

Satisfaction with the programme (including perceived positive use of staff time)

33, 52, 66

Attainment of learning goals

49, 52

Patient outcomes

Staff perceived improvements in screening procedures

41

Reduced admission rates from a rural to a regional centre and reduced transfer of clients for care to regional centres

53, 76

Client satisfaction with services

61

Improved quality and completeness of health information and services received by clients

56