Summary
People who live in rural communities are often left out of health research because of long travel distances, limited internet connectivity, and fewer local research resources. This means research findings and new treatments may not work as well for rural communities.
Our study will speak with rural residents and research teams in BC to understand these challenges and identify what would help. The results will guide a provincial plan to make research more accessible—such as improving technology, training, and long-term support for rural research.
Overall, the goal of this study is to make health research fairer and more useful for rural communities.
Why This Matters
Health research needs to represent everyone—not just people in cities. When rural communities are left out, research results don’t fully apply to them. This can lead to policies and treatments that don’t meet rural needs, creating unfair gaps in health care.
What’s the Problem?
Rural residents often face big challenges when it comes to joining health studies:
· Distance and travel: Many studies happen in large urban centers, which can be hard to reach.
· Limited local resources: Rural areas may lack research facilities or reliable internet.
· Work and privacy concerns: Seasonal jobs and worries about privacy in small communities can make participation harder. Researchers sometimes focus on cities because it’s easier, or they may not realize how important rural inclusion is. This is especially concerning when rural residents miss out on clinical trials that offer new treatments.
What We’re Doing
Our study will explore these barriers by talking to:
· Rural residents about their experiences, challenges, and ideas for improvement.
· Researchers about how they include (or don’t include) rural participants and what resources they have.
We’ll use interviews and analyze the results to understand what works and what doesn’t. The goal is to create a provincial strategy that makes rural participation easier and fairer.
What’s Next
Through this work, we hope to improve research in rural communities, which could lead to:
· Building a BC-wide framework to support rural research.
· Creating regional technology hubs.
· Improving training and data systems.
· Securing sustainable funding.
This work is rooted in community engagement and aims to make health research more relevant and equitable for everyone.
How You Can Help
We’re looking for community partners—people with experience in health research or who couldn’t participate because of where they live. You’ll join our Community Advisory Committee for one year, helping shape the study and recommendations.
· Commitment: Meetings up to every two weeks during busy phases, with longer breaks in between.
· Appreciation: Up to $1,000 for your time and expertise over 12 months.
If you are interested in participating on the Community Advisory Committee, please fill out the following intake form: Rural Research Inclusion: Community Advisory Committee Expression of Interest Form. If you have any questions about the project or the form please contact our research coordinator, Sarah Jackson (sarah.jackson2@ubc.ca). We hope to begin with an introductory meeting in December and regular meetings starting in January 2026.
Thank you so much for considering this opportunity!
