| This project was a study funded by Wamsutter Community Incorporated. The research team included a graduate student, undergraduate RN/BSN completion student and a university professor through the Center for Community Health and Economic Development. The purpose of the study was to assess community health needs of a small, energy industry-impacted town following the installation of a for-profit health center. The study was a longitudinal, descriptive design with multi-method data collection using a convenience sample of volunteers from the community of Wamsutter. Research methodology involved an initial community assessment, questionnaire addressing health concerns within the community and focus groups addressing views of the health center. Barriers that the clinic faced included geographic isolation, limited community involvement, limited community support and inadequate access to resources including pharmacologic therapy. Recurring themes focused on the importance of provider participation in the community. Future success of the community is ensured as a result of the committed community leaders and invested employer (British Petroleum). Success of rural/frontier clinics requires employing providers who reside within the community and become active participants in community activities. |
