Abstract
BACKGROUND: The aim of this scoping study was to understand the opatimal structure and function of rural health councils (RHCs). METHODS: The study used the scoping review methodology, informed by both Arksey and O'Malley's (2005) framework and the Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewers' Manual (The Joanna Briggs Institute 2015). FINDINGS: Evidence demonstrates that the functions of RHCs range from identifying healthcare issues and priorities to local resource management. Enabling structures included the use of skills-based merit matrices to determine membership. CONCLUSION: We found evidence on how to build effective models to support patient involvement in healthcare planning and service delivery to lead to care that reflects the needs of rural communities.