Cultivating the Field of Rural Health Research: The Case for Rural Health Research Competencies

Alexandra B Caloudas; Diana Govier; Kelley Arredondo; Masaaki Yamada; Sulamunn R M Coleman; Kelly Hawkins; M Bryant Howren

doi:10.1111/jrh.70178

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Cultivating the Field of Rural Health Research: The Case for Rural Health Research Competencies

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Cultivating the Field of Rural Health Research: The Case for Rural Health Research Competencies

Alexandra B Caloudas, Diana Govier, Kelley Arredondo, Masaaki Yamada, Sulamunn R M Coleman, Kelly Hawkins and M Bryant Howren

The Journal of rural health, Vol.42(2), e70178

03/2026

DOI: 10.1111/jrh.70178

PMID: 42268664

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Abstract

Rural Veterans face unique healthcare barriers and challenges despite an increased need for care. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has long invested in research to improve Veteran health and healthcare delivery; however, rural Veterans remain underrepresented in research, limiting the equitable translation of evidence into rural settings. Rural-specific research is, therefore, essential in improving rural Veterans' health. This commentary argues for the development of rural health research competencies and proposes possible competency domains to guide training, mentorship, and workforce development. Drawing on existing rural health scholarship, competency-based education, and implementation science, we outline illustrative domains of competence relevant to conducting rigorous, ethical, and impactful rural health research. There is currently no field-wide agreement on the knowledge, skills, and experiences that define a proficient rural health researcher. A core set of rural health research competencies is essential for defining effective rural health research practices, guiding the development, implementation, and evaluation of training efforts, and facilitating broader improvements in rural health research and healthcare. Establishing a flexible, evolving set of rural health research competencies, grounded in both academic rigor and community-embedded expertise, can strengthen the rural health research workforce, inform training and mentorship, and advance equitable healthcare for rural Veterans and rural populations more broadly.

Rural Health

United States

Health Services Research - trends

Humans

Professional Competence - standards

Rural Health Services - trends

Rural Population

United States Department of Veterans Affairs - organization & administration

Details

Title: Subtitle: Cultivating the Field of Rural Health Research: The Case for Rural Health Research Competencies
Creators: Alexandra B Caloudas - Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center
Diana Govier - Oregon Health & Science University
Kelley Arredondo - Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center
Masaaki Yamada - University of Iowa
Sulamunn R M Coleman - White River Junction VA Medical Center
Kelly Hawkins - University of Florida
M Bryant Howren - University of Iowa
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: The Journal of rural health, Vol.42(2), e70178
DOI: 10.1111/jrh.70178
PMID: 42268664
NLM abbreviation: J Rural Health
ISSN: 1748-0361
eISSN: 1748-0361
Publisher: Wiley
Grant note: VA South Central Mental Illness Research #04269 / Alexandra Caloudas #04269 / Masa Yamada #04269 / Sulamunn Coleman of the Department of Veterans Affairs Education and Clinical Center #04269 / Diana Govier #04269 / Kelly Hawkins Veterans Rural Health Resource Center-Iowa City's Rural Health Career Development
Language: English
Date published: 03/2026
Academic Unit: Nephrology; Internal Medicine
Record Identifier: 9985174498902771

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