Using the Canadian context as a case study, the research reported here focuses on in-depth qualitative interviews with 36 researchers, artists and trainees engaged in 'doing' arts-based health research (ABHR). We begin to address the gap in ABHR knowledge by engaging in a critical inquiry regarding the issues, challenges and benefits of ABHR methodologies. Specifically, this paper focuses on the tensions experienced regarding academic legitimacy and the use of the arts in producing and disseminating research. Four central areas of tension associated with academic legitimacy are described: balancing structure versus openness and flexibility; academic obligations of truth and accuracy; resisting typical notions of what counts in academia; and expectations vis-à-vis measuring the impact of ABHR. We argue for the need to reconsider what counts as knowledge and to reconceptualize notions of evaluation and rigor in order to effectively support the effective production and dissemination of ABHR.

Background: Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) serves as the Faculty of Medicine of Lakehead and Laurentian Universities, and views the entire geography of Northern Ontario as its campus. This paper explores how community engagement contributes to achieving social accountability in over 90 sites through NOSM's distinctive model, Distributed Community Engaged Learning (DCEL). Methods:Studies involving qualitative and quantitative methods contribute to this paper, which draws on administrative data from NOSM and external sources, as well as surveys and interviews of students, graduates and other informants including the joint NOSM-CRaNHR (Centre for Rural and Northern Health Research) tracking and impact studies.

No abstract

Methods:Seven key informants with extensive experience in rural medical education participated in semi-structured interviews. The interviews were audio-recorded and professionally transcribed. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Four key themes were identified. Respondents discussed the different ways they conceptualized 'rural'. Informants suggested that relationships could either be barriers or facilitators to rural practice and that certain educational strategies were necessary to help train students for rural careers. Finally, informants discussed different characteristics that rural physicians need. Conclusion:The finding of this study suggests that preparing students for rural practice requires a multifaceted approach. Specifically, using certain educational strategies, pre-selecting or developing certain characteristics in students, and helping students develop relationships that attach them to a community or support working in a rural community are warranted.

No abstract