Search

Introduction Objective Design Findings Discussion Conclusions Disparities in the health of Indigenous people and in the health of rural populations are well described. University Departments of Rural Health (UDRHs) in Australia are federally funded under a program to address ongoing challenges with health workforce distribution for rural and remote areas. They have a significant role in research in regional, rural and remote areas, including research related to Indigenous health. However, a comprehensive analysis of their contributions to original Indigenous health related to Indigenous health is lacking.This study examines the contributions of UDRHs to Indigenous issues through analysis of publications of UDRHs focused on Indigenous health during the period 2010–2021.This paper examines a database of UDRH Indigenous‐related publications from 2010 to 2021.A total of 493 publications to which UDRHs contributed were analysed, including 354 original research articles. Health services research was the most common category, followed by epidemiology and papers exploring Indigenous culture and health. While health services research substantially increased over the period, the numbers of original research papers specifically focused on Indigenous workforce issues, whether related to Indigenous people, students or existing workforce was relatively small.This broad overview shows the nature and trends in Indigenous health research by UDRHs and makes evident a substantial contribution to Indigenous health research, reflecting their commitment to improving the health and well‐being of Indigenous communities.The analysis can help direct future efforts, and future analyses should delve deeper into the impact of this research and further engage Indigenous researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Children living in rural, regional and remote locations experience challenges to receiving services for mental illness and challenging behaviours. Additionally, there is a lack of clarity about the workforce characteristics to address the needs of this population. Objective: To scope the literature on the rural, regional and remote child mental health and behavioural workforce and identify barriers and enabling mechanisms to mental health service provision. Design: A scoping review utilising the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. A database search was undertaken using Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ProQuest and Scopus to identify papers published 2010–2023. Research articles reporting data on mental health workforce characteristics for children aged under 12 years, in rural, regional or remote locations were reviewed for inclusion. Findings: Seven hundred and fifty‐four papers were imported into Covidence with 22 studies being retained. Retained studies confirmed that providing services to meet the needs of children's mental health is an international challenge. Discussion: The thematic analysis of the review findings highlighted four workforce strategies to potentially mitigate some of these challenges. These were: (1) The use of telehealth for clinical services and workforce upskilling; (2) Role shifting where non mental health professionals assumed mental health workforce roles; (3) Service structure strategies, and (4) Indigenous and rural cultural factors. Conclusion: A range of potential strategies exists to better meet the needs of children with mental health and behavioural issues. Adapting these to specific community contexts through co‐design and production may enhance their efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Methods Results Conclusions There is very little literature examining the workload and impact of nurse practitioners (NPs) working in emergency departments (ED) in regional and rural Australia. The aim of this paper was to review the ED NPs scope of practice in the ED discharge stream and patient outcomes at Cairns Hospital over a 7‐month period.This retrospective study examined the ED electronic medical record between 14 May 2019 and 31 December 2019. Cases managed by ED NPs, referrals, procedures performed, representations and disposition data were collected. Adverse events were sought from the Qld Health adverse events register (Riskman), the department complaints register and the ED M&M meeting minutes.A total of 1443 patients were treated by NPs, with ages ranging from 0 to 98 years (median 40 years). Australasian Triage Score (ATS) 3 cases made up 30% of the workload. Other than ATS 3 cases, time to being seen was better than the general department. There were very few unexpected representations, complaints or adverse events.This study supports the view that NPs working in a regional emergency department can safely manage a variety of patients outside a fast‐track model, with a wide age range and a variety of triage categories and diagnoses. We believe this has important implications for the provision of emergency care, especially in regional and rural Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Introduction Setting Participants Design Results Conclusions To understand the motivations of champions who worked to bring about system and practice change that supported routine screening for intimate partner violence (IPV) in two rural emergency departments (EDs).Practice changes are required to achieve routine and effective identification and response to IPV. Nurses play a significant role in affecting such practice change. This paper identifies the motivations of champions in the ED setting who successfully brought about such change.The EDs of two Level 5 tertiary hospitals within a rural Local Health District (LHD) of New South Wales, Australia.Twenty‐three individuals who identified as champions and worked to introduce routine IPV screening in two rural hospital EDs.Qualitative longitudinal semi‐structured interviews employing a process of constant comparison and an interpretive framework to analyse data thematically. Interviews were carried out between June and August 2017 and again between July and August 2019.Over the period of the study, routine screening was established, and screening rates steadily increased from a low baseline to a significantly higher rate. Three aspects of champion motivation emerged from the analysis: formation of an identity as a champion, making a difference to a significant social justice issue and providing quality and community‐relevant care.This study is the first study to report on champions and their motivation as they supported IPV practice change in the ED. The findings highlight the capacity for innovation in rural health services, with important implications for other settings looking to translate similar programs. Understanding motivating factors may assist in improved utilisation and support for champions. This is vital if champions are to bring about required practice change within their service and ensure the needs of individuals experiencing IPV are effectively met. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Design Setting Participants Results Conclusion There is a shortage of nurses, Aboriginal Health Practitioners, GPs and other staff in remote Australian health clinics. There is also high turnover of staff, leading to questions of ‘who’ is appropriate for remote First Nations practice? The aim of this paper was to identify the characteristics of staff who are likely to work well in remote First Nations settings, from the perspectives of remote health practitioners.This is a qualitative study involving content analysis of interviews.The study is conducted in and with 11 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services across northern and central Australia.Eighty‐four staff working in these clinics who spoke about staff qualities suited to remote practice.Participants identified a range of qualities desirable in remote practitioners, which were grouped into three topics: (1) professional qualifications and experience, including cultural skills; (2) ways of working, including holisitic approach, resilience, competence, and being a team player, approachable, flexible and hard‐working; and (3) specific community needs, namely the need for local First Nations staff, male practitioners and returning short‐term staff. The combination of experiences, ways of working, and fit to both the team and community were emphasised.Identifying the characteristics of staff who are likely to work well in these settings can inform recruitment strategies. This study found that a combination of professional qualifications, skills and experience as well as ways of working, individual characteristics and needs of communities are desirable for working in remote, First Nations settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Context Approach Conclusion This commentary aims to assist emerging leaders of mental health research with older rural Australians through (i) affirmation that others share the barriers, pitfalls and challenges being faced; (ii) reinforcing the rationale making this a pertinent area for research; and (iii) opening a dialogue for best practice to engage older rural Australians in mental health research.Supporting the mental health of older adults is a pertinent global challenge, none more so than in rural Australia where restricted access to services and supports are compounded by limited help‐seeking behaviours and capacity to engage with support. Paradoxically, such limitations also extend to impact researchers' ability to engage rural older Australians in mental health research, particularly when combined with the stoicism and stigma that often envelopes mental health, and the contemporary challenges posed by the emergence of technology. Such challenges are however not often discussed, more‐often sidelined in favour of reporting positive research outcomes, or seeing emerging researchers eschew such focus entirely.Through this paper, the authors utilised critical self‐appraisal and iterative reflection to identify four recommendations for undertaking contemporary mental health research with rural older Australians, namely to: plan realistically through a collaborative, authentic and respectful approach; identify community champions and build/maintain trust; diversify thought, approaches and methodology; and cast the research net far, wide and often.By adopting recommendations, researchers can maximise accessibility to and possible participation in mental health research, providing foundations for older rural Australians' contributions to inform the development of policies and strategies to promote their health and well‐being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This paper describes the policy context and approaches taken to improve access to primary health care in Australia by supporting nurses to deliver improved integrated care meeting community needs. Context: In Primary Health Care (PHC), the nursing workforce are predominantly employed in the general practice sector. Despite evidence that nurse‐led models of care can bridge traditional treatment silos in the provision of specialised and coordinated care, PHC nurses' scope of practice varies dramatically. Nurse‐led models of care are imperative for rural and remote populations that experience workforce shortages and barriers to accessing health care. Existing barriers include policy constraints, limited organisational structures, education and financing models. Approach: The Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA) received funding to implement nurse‐led clinics as demonstration projects. The clinics enable PHC nurses to work to their full scope of practice, improve continuity of care and increase access to health care in under serviced locations. We reviewed a range of peer‐reviewed literature, policy documents, grey literature and APNA provided sources, particularly those relevant to rural and remote populations. We argue more focus is needed on how to address variations in the scope of practice of the rural and remote PHC nursing workforce. Conclusion: Despite growing evidence for the effectiveness of nurse‐led models of care, significant policy and financial barriers continue to inhibit PHC nurses working to their full scope of practice. If their potential to transform health care and increase access to health services is to be realised these barriers must be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To systematically review evaluated local, community or peer‐delivered well‐being and employment interventions delivered within regional, rural and remote Australia. Design: Searches within nine databases retrieved peer‐reviewed and grey literature from an initial pool of 3186 papers published between 2012 and 2022. PRISMA guidelines were adhered to, and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was used to assess the quality of the well‐being or employment (or both) articles. Findings: A total of 19 items met the inclusion criteria, which included two quantitative, 12 qualitative and five mixed‐methods evaluations. Intervention cohorts included Indigenous Australians, youth, older people, workers and the general community. The average methodological rating was 83%. The overall level of evidence for the interventions was low due to mostly descriptive studies. Discussion: Interventions that appeared effective in improving well‐being tended to focus on addressing social connectedness and self‐determination. Unexpected employment outcomes were evident across many of the studies, which highlighted the reciprocity between well‐being and employment. Conclusion: This review highlights promising interventions for improving well‐being by focusing on social connectedness and self‐determination. Further empirical evidence is encouraged to explore the reciprocal relationship between well‐being and employment, emphasising the significance of social connectedness and self‐determination in this context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Student‐led clinics can provide health services to marginalised groups where service offerings are sparse or difficult to access, such as rural areas. Offering these services to children and young people can promote health and well‐being by addressing the individual challenges and the social determinants of health. There is uncertainty, however, as to whether student‐led clinics can meet Australian accreditation standards for health professionals completing degree programs. Objective: This study aims to determine the capacity for health student placements in school‐based student‐led clinics to meet accreditation standards. Design: A systematic scoping review was conducted based on Arksey and O'Malley's framework and the PRISMA‐ScR statement. Setting: Several databases were examined, including Ebsco (Academic Source and CINAHL), ProQuest (PsycINFO, ERIC) and grey literature sources along with a desktop review of accreditation standards across seven health disciplines. Two independent reviewers screened eligible studies. Findings: The search retrieved 1037 records with 65 full‐text papers assessed for eligibility. Eleven papers met the inclusion criteria. Based on the evidence, both nursing and exercise and sports science accreditation standards were best suited to student‐led clinics. Discussion: Although broad categories of work‐integrated learning activities were applied, it appears feasible to expect accreditation standards for health disciplines at an Australian university to be a good fit for health student‐led school‐based clinics. Conclusion: Increasing health student placement opportunities within student‐led clinics can improve the health and well‐being of children and young people in regional, rural and remote (RRR) areas of Australia who may otherwise have limited access to allied health services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This summary paper for the symposium provides a brief overview of the papers by Craig Veitch, John Beard and Max Kamien that deal with the environmental, socioeconomic and political descriptors of ‘rurality’. Those three papers deal with a number of fundamental truths about rural and remote health, including the fact that internal migration is an important and poorly understood factor in determining community and health outcomes. A brief treatment of the issue suggests that selective internal migration is likely to mean that the burden of illness in rural and remote areas is even higher than that suggested by the published figures. The paper then asserts that thinking in the rural and remote health sector in Australia focuses largely on the negative aspects of the current characteristics of rural areas. A self-evident definition of ‘rurality’ is offered that has it defined by the set of factors that currently characterise places, communities and individuals outside the major cities. The paper suggests that each of these characteristics has an upside or benefit, as well as a downside or risk, and that giving greater attention to the former will provide a better basis for informing rural health policy and practice than the deficit view alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Australian geographically rural and remote disability workforce has historically demonstrated difficulties to keep up with the demand for quality services and supports for people with disability. In 2013, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) was launched to provide individualised disability support packages to meet people's needs. To receive funding, people with disability are required to develop a NDIS plan. That plan is then funded by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), the government agency responsible for managing the NDIS. Although the NDIS has been operating for almost 10 years, there is limited research into the planning experiences of the workforce in regional, rural and remote regions of Australia. This review aims to ascertain the level of scholarly investigation into workers' experiences of NDIS planning. Methodology: Research publication databases were searched using a specific search string to identify publications that included reference to the workforce's experiences of the NDIS planning process in regional, rural and remote regions of Australia. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was adopted to appraise the quality of the research publications. Research publications that focused on those working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were also appraised using the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Quality Appraisal Tool developed by the Centre for Excellence in Aboriginal Chronic Disease Knowledge Translation and Exchange. A thematic synthesis of the publications was undertaken to ascertain disability and health workforce experiences of the NDIS planning process. Results: Seven papers met the selection criteria. Two papers were policy reviews and reported the improvements of the NDIS planning process since its inception. These studies reported four reoccurring themes: (1) cultural/socioeconomic and geographical factors; (2) administrative burden and bureaucracy; (3) values, culture and geography; and (4) burden on allied health workers. Conclusion: The NDIS planning process has developed and progressed since its rollout in 2013. There are limited research papers available that describe the workforce's experience of the planning process in regional, rural and remote regions. More research in this area is needed to identify the experiences of the disability workforce in relation to the NDIS planning process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Australia's National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) was launched in 2013 to provide financial support packages for people with disability to purchase supports and services to enhance independence. People with disability are required to develop a plan with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), the government department responsible for managing the NDIS. This scoping review aims to ascertain the level of research into people's experience of the NDIS planning process in these geographic areas. Methodology: Research publication databases were searched using a specific search string to identify research about people with disability and their families/carer's experiences of the NDIS planning process in regional, rural and remote regions of Australia. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was adopted to appraise the quality of the research publications. Research publications focused on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were additionally appraised using the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Quality Appraisal Tool developed by the Centre for Excellence in Aboriginal Chronic Disease Knowledge Translation and Exchange. A thematic synthesis of the publications' contents was undertaken to ascertain people with disabilities and carers experience of the NDIS planning process. Results: Ten (N = 10) research papers were found that met the inclusion criteria. Two papers were policy reviews and reported on the improvements of the NDIS planning process since its conception. The analysis found the research archive focused on five themes: (1) healthcare workforce and NDIA staff; (2) NDIS package holders and carers lack of awareness of the NDIS; (3) cultural/socio‐economic barriers; (4) travel funding; and (5) emotional burden of the NDIS planning process. Conclusion: There are limited papers available that explore people's experiences of the NDIS planning process in regional, rural and remote regions of Australia. This systematic review illuminates the difficulties, barriers and concerns of people with disability and their carers about the planning process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Current strategies to address shortages of rural doctors focus on developing a pipeline for rural generalist practice. Limited research has explored how doctors' professional journey engenders the skills required to practice rurally. Objective: This paper analyses how rural general practitioners' clinical pathway informs their scope of practice and future retention. Design: Qualitative thematic analysis using semi‐structured telephone interviews. Twenty‐one general practitioners appointed in their local health district of Murrumbidgee and Southern New South Wales, Australia, within the past 10 years. Participants comprised 10 Australian medical graduates (AMG) and 11 international medical graduates (IMG). Findings: AMGs and IMGs contrasted how their pathway into rural practice, and capacity to work rurally, informed their scope of practice. Australian medical graduates' familiarity with rural areas was consolidated through congruous experiences, including at rural clinical schools. Paradoxically, the fluency of their training limited the amount of unsupervised experience and confidence AMGs gained. Together with a focus on work‐life balance, this limited many to providing mainstream general practice, precluding extending their scope of practice. International medical graduates described disseminated experiences, often unsupervised in high‐volume contexts. However, a lack of professional opportunities prevented them from extending their scope of practice. Discussion: IMG and AMG motivation and pathway for working rurally differ. Respective cohorts have concerns regarding requisite skills and knowledge for rural practice, which incorporates opportunity and recognition. Entry points for training should be variable to allow consideration of life stage, prior skill development and extension of scope of practice. Conclusion: Doctors' scope of practice is informed by their pathways into rural practice. Australian medical graduates may not gain adequate competence during expedited training programs to confidently undertake extended clinical activities. International medical graduates, however lacked the opportunities and support, to utilise their expertise in rural practice. Complementarily utilising the expertise and commitment of both AMGs and IMGs may synergistically address workforce shortages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Commercial tobacco use was systematically embedded as a valuable commodity through colonisation that continues to be exploited for profit by the Tobacco Industry. There have been significant declines in current smoking prevalence among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples 18 years and over, from 55% in 1994 to 43% in 2018–2019. This paper seeks to better understand smoke‐free behaviours, and to systematically quantify associations between a range of SDOH and non‐smoking/never‐smoking among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults (≥18) living in regional Australia. Objective: To explore the social determinants of health (SDOH) related to non‐ and never‐smoking among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in regional Australia. Design: Cross‐sectional analysis of the NATSIHS, weighted to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adult population living in regional Australia, was conducted. Participants were characterised as people who were current smokers, never‐smokers and non‐smokers (ex‐ and never‐smokers). The social determinants of health exposures related to socioeconomic position, well‐being and access to healthcare. Setting: Regional Australia is distinct from urban and remote areas, based on the ASGS Remoteness Structure (ABS) 2018–2019. Participants: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults (≥18 years) who were selected, consented and asked questions about smoking in the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey (NATSIHS 2018/19). Results: High income was associated with non‐smoking (Prevalence Ratio [PR] = 2.07; 95% CI: 1.66–2.57) and never‐smoking (PR = 2.02; 1.46–2.79), as was completing year 10 (non‐smoking PR = 1.34; 1.12–1.61 and never‐smoking PR = 1.56; 1.20–2.03). Better food security was associated with a higher prevalence of never‐smoking (PR = 2.42; 1.48–3.98). Lower psychological distress scores were associated with non‐smoking (PR = 1.30; 1.10–1.53) and never‐smoking (PR = 1.56; 1.21–2.01). Never‐smoking was more frequent in participants reporting no experiences of unfair treatment (PR = 1.59; 1.22–2.06). Having a usual healthcare provider was associated with non‐smoking (PR = 1.38; 1.02–1.86). Positive exposure to the SDOH were associated with non‐ and never‐smoking among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults in regional Australia. Structural and systemic changes to address the SDOH, including discrimination and racism, are expected to accelerate non‐smoking behaviours and improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In the past 30 years, 60% of South Australia's rural maternity units have closed. Evidence demonstrates midwifery models of care offer regional Australia sustainable birthing services. Five birthing sites within the York and Northern Region of South Australia, designed in collaboration with key stakeholders, offered a new all‐risk midwifery continuity of care model (MMoC). All pregnant women in the region were allocated to a known midwife once pregnancy was confirmed. In July 2019, the pilot program was implemented and an evaluation undertaken. Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness, acceptability, and sustainability of the new midwifery model of care from the perspective of health care providers. Design: The evaluation utilised a mixed methods design using focus groups and surveys to explore experiences of health care providers impacted by the implementation of the MMoC. This paper reports on midwives, doctors and nurses experiences at different time points, to gain insight into the model of care from the care providers impacted by the change to services. Findings: The first round of focus groups included 14 midwives, 6 hospital nurses/midwives and 5 doctors with the overarching theme that the 'MMoC was working well.' The second round of focus groups were undertaken across the five sites with 10 midwives, 9 hospital nurses/midwives and 5 doctors. The overarching theme captured all participants commitment to the MMoC, with agreement that 'there is no other option ‐ it has to work'. Discussion: All participants reported positive outcomes and a strong commitment to navigate the changes required to implement the new model of care. Collaboration and communication was expressed as key elements for success. Specific challenges and complexities were evident including a need to clarify expectations and the workload for midwives, and for nurses who were accustomed to having midwives 24 hours a day in hospitals. Conclusion: This innovative model responds to challenges in providing rural maternity care and offers a sustainable model for maternity services and workforce. There is an overwhelming commitment and consensus that there is 'no other option–it has to work'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine if multi-purpose service (MPS) Programs deliver improved residential aged care as opposed to traditional rural hospitals. A variation on comparative–experimentalist: type 4. In this design 2 groups providing different service models of rural health services are compared. Six MPS Programs and three traditional hospitals in rural New South Wales. Key stakeholders – area representatives, health service managers, MPS managers, doctors, staff, MPS or hospital committee members and consumer groups including residents. To analyse the ability of MPS Programs to deliver quality residential aged care as opposed to using traditional hospitals for such services. Multi-purpose service programs provided better residential environments and greater flexibility of service provision. There were few apparent differences between the two service models in regard to organisational culture and training. The findings of this evaluation suggest that in the provision of residential aged care in rural communities, MPS Programs demonstrated better standards of care than traditional hospital based services. The development of multi-purpose service programs to replace the older traditional rural hospitals is a relatively new practice in Australia. With the introduction of MPS programs there has been little evaluative research to demonstrate their effectiveness in health service delivery and the provision of residential aged care. Multi-purpose service programs aim to integrate and coordinate acute, aged and community rural health services under one structure and so it is imperative that evaluative studies such as this one takes place. The findings of this study demonstrate that the MPS model provides a better solution than hospitals to the problem of providing residential aged care in rural communities. With Australia looking to further develop MPS Programs in rural areas, it is hoped quality aged care services will be enhanced allowing older adults to remain in the communities of their choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An editorial is presented on the Australian Journal of Rural Health (AJRH) has ranked as a Quartile journal by Scopus, meaning that aside from being well ranked, it receives many submissions from all over the world and particularly from within Australia. Topics include the journal relies on good-quality reviews from volunteer reviewers, the important therefore for people who have agreed to review for the journal to understand review requirements and processes.

Aims: This paper describes the investments made, approaches taken and lessons learnt by three rural Australian academic health departments engaged in the delivery of the Health Career Academy Program (HCAP). The program seeks to address the under‐representation of rural, remote and Aboriginal populations within Australia's health workforce. Context: Significant resources are directed towards rural practice exposure for metropolitan health students to address workforce shortages. Fewer resources are directed towards health career strategies that focus on the earlier engagement of rural, remote and Aboriginal secondary school students, those in Years 7–10. Best practice career development principles highlight the importance of earlier engagement in the promotion of health career aspirations and in influencing secondary school student career intentions and uptake of health professions. Approach: This paper describes: delivery contexts; the theory and evidence that has informed the HCAP; program design, adaptability and scalability; program focus on priming the rural health career pipeline; program alignment to best practice career development principles; enablers and barriers confronted in program delivery, and lessons learnt to inform rural health workforce policy and resourcing. Conclusion: There is a need to invest in programs that seek to attract rural, remote and Aboriginal secondary school students to health professions if Australia is to develop a sustainable rural health workforce. A failure to invest earlier undermines opportunities to engage diverse and aspiring youth in Australia's health workforce. Program contributions, approaches and lessons learnt can inform the work of other agencies seeking to include these populations in health career initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: A shared care model was implemented in 2006 in Queensland to facilitate paediatric oncology, haematology and palliative care patients receiving care as close to home as possible. Following initial diagnosis, care planning and treatment at the tertiary children's hospital, appropriate local care was coordinated by Regional Case Managers (RCMs) established at each of 10 Shared Care Units (SCUs). This enabled safe and quality regional care supported by a statewide network providing clinical governance and education. This paper examines learnings from 15 years of this shared care. Setting: Ten hospitals throughout Queensland facilitated a statewide model of shared care for paediatric oncology, haematology and palliative care patients, supported by a tertiary hub in Brisbane. Participants: Regional Case Managers in Shared Care Units and their supporting staff. Design Staff from SCUs were surveyed and focus group interviews conducted. Results: The paper reviews the attributes, knowledge and experience required for RCMs. Standards of care were supported through education workshops, clinical placements, chemotherapy credentialing, guidelines and standards. RCMs facilitated communication and information sharing with the tertiary centre, advocated for their cohort of patients locally and streamlined and supported the family's experience of care. Conclusion: The RCM role provided invaluable clinical leadership for the care of paediatric oncology, haematology and palliative patients across Queensland. As new treatments evolve, the expertise and coordination provided by the RCMs will be even more critical. Achieving high‐quality shared care outcomes is underpinned by the RCMs drive to achieve statewide safety and support for this cohort of children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This paper explores the principles of co‐design with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities by reflecting on the literature, learning from experiences of allied health professionals, and considering how co‐design can be applied in rural and remote allied health practice. Context: This paper has been authored by a working group from Services for Rural and Remote Allied Health (SARRAH). SARRAH is a member‐based allied health organisation, working to improve health outcomes for rural and remote Australians. SARRAH has been representing and supporting allied health professionals in rural and remote Australia for over 20 years, with a member base that includes students, practitioners, programme managers, policy makers and academics. As a non‐Indigenous organisation, SARRAH works in partnership and receives guidance from the peak organisation, Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA). Approach: Over a period of 3 months, a group of eleven SARRAH members and staff came together to review available literature, seek member perspectives and share their experiences and understandings of co‐design. Working group discussions were grounded in the knowledge and experiences shared by two Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander group members. Conclusion: This paper proposes that successful co‐design with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities places legitimate value on different knowledge systems, is built on strong and trusting relationships, promotes inclusive involvement and requires authentic partnerships. Using these principles, SARRAH will engage with members and stakeholders to influence meaningful change in allied health practice in rural and remote Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem: An important aspect of the work that takes place in and across our Aboriginal Health and Ageing research group is about building partnerships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non‐Indigenous people. Partnerships are created between colleagues and co‐researchers as well as with community Elders, Aboriginal community‐controlled organisations, community groups and associations and individuals. Setting: To fully realise this has required an introspective look at the way we function as a team of Aboriginal researchers and non‐Indigenous researchers working together. It has challenged us to explore and determine our shared visions and shared outcomes and to develop strong, enduring and authentic partnerships by putting culture at the centre of everything we do. Key measures for improvement: This wisdom‐led approach has fostered the development of a shared narrative about research WITH Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and a shared language of research collaboration. Strategies and effects of change: This paper aims to provide an opportunity to reflect on the key elements of co‐design which have underpinned our work together across cultures both within team and within community. Lessons learnt This paper will provide lived examples of the co‐design and co‐creation process utilised by our team in working with community. It will further share a model which underpins these experiences. It provides a framework to refer to and reflect upon, which commits to working with shared respect, shared meaning, shared knowledge and an enriched experience of collaboratively working and walking and learning together. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Access to healthcare for rural Australians is a wicked problem, particularly for rural people with disability. Contemporary healthcare access frameworks in Australia tend to overlook geography, use a 'one‐size‐fits‐all approach', and disregard the valuable relationships between key rural healthcare stakeholders, including rural people with disability, rural health services and health professionals. The United Nation's Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities requires the Australian Government to engage people with disability in the design of policies that will shape their day‐to‐day lives, including their access to healthcare. However, the nature and extent to which rural people with disability, rural health professionals and other key rural stakeholders are involved in the design of Australian policies impacting the health of rural people with disability are unknown. Aim: This paper examines approaches taken to engage rural people with disability and health professionals in the design of Australian disability policy impacting healthcare access, and reimagines future processes which can improve healthcare access for rural people with disability. Approach: Co‐design and ethics of care lenses are applied to policy design approaches in this paper. We approach this work as rural disability and health academics, rural health professionals, and as rural people with disability, neurodivergence and family members of people with disability. Conclusion: We argue future co‐designed policy approaches could focus on driving change towards equity in healthcare access for rural people with disability by harnessing the relational nature of rural healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Although various studies have examined availability, access barriers and patient experiences of rural health services for the ageing population, no synthesis of this literature exists in Australia. Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the current literature surrounding rural service provision and to evaluate the barriers to access for older individuals and to recognise gaps in the literature. Design: A systematic scoping review of peer‐reviewed literature from three online databases (PUBMED, SCOPUS and Web of Science). Findings: Thirty‐two papers were included in analysis. The most prominent types of health service discussed were residential aged care (n = 12) and community health care (n = 10). More studies explored the perspectives of health personnel than the service end users. Qualitative synthesis revealed three themes associated with health service and rural ageing: access to services, health workforce experiences and end user experiences. Discussion: Access to health services for the elderly population is a complex issue. Promoting positive experiences for both health providers and patients is critical to assisting in healthy ageing for people living in rural and remote areas. This requires intervention on a social and institutional level. Key research gaps in the literature include the effectiveness of an integrated approach to institutional interventions, utilisation of preventative measures such as screening programs for cancer and greater identification of the health needs and perceptions among culturally diverse elderly residents. These studies are critical to promote appropriate and patient‐centred care for elderly populations in rural and remote areas. Conclusion: The review highlights the need to address availability, retention and service innovations across health services to improve access to care and health outcomes of rural elderly residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Living in regional/rural areas can impact outcomes for people with head and neck cancer (HNC). Using a comprehensive state‐wide dataset, the impact of remoteness on key service parameters and outcomes for people with HNC was examined. Methods: Retrospective quantitative analysis of routinely collected data held within the Queensland Oncology Repository. Design: Quantitative methods (descriptive statistics, multivariable logistic regression and geospatial analysis). Setting: All people diagnosed with HNC in Queensland, Australia. Participants: The impact of remoteness was examined in 1991 people (1171 metropolitan, 485 inner‐regional, 335 rural) with HNC cancer diagnosed between 2013 and 2015. Main Outcome Measures: This paper reports key demographics and tumour characteristics (age, gender, socioeconomic status, First Nations status, co‐morbidities, primary tumour site and staging), service use/uptake (treatment rates, attendance at multidisciplinary team review and timing to treatment) and post‐acute outcomes (readmission rates, causes of readmission and 2‐year survival). In addition to this, the distribution of people with HNC across QLD, distances travelled and patterns of readmission were also analysed. Results: Regression analysis revealed remoteness significantly (p < 0.001) impacted access to MDT review, receiving treatment, and time to treatment commencement, but not readmission or 2‐year survival. Reasons for readmission did not differ by remoteness, with dysphagia, nutritional inadequacies, gastrointestinal disorders and fluid imbalance indicated in the majority of readmissions. Rural people were significantly (p < 0.0001) more likely to travel to care and to readmit to a different facility than provided primary treatment. Conclusions: This study provides new insights into the health care disparities for people with HNC residing in regional/rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this paper is to report on enablers and barriers during the first 2 years of the health systems integration project that included the implementation of a health navigator role. The project aims to improve health outcomes for children and young people residing in out of home care in rural Australia with a health navigator co‐located between child protection practitioners and community health services clinicians. Setting: Rural Northwest Victoria. Participants: Sunraysia Community Health Services and the Department of Health and Human Services. Design: The qualitative design of the project evaluation involved semi‐structured interviews and documentary evidence analysis. Analyses of interviews and documentary data demonstrate the challenging nature of siloed service delivery in rural Australia, particularly during a time that comprised multiple interruptions due to COVID‐19. Results: A limited synergy between organisational priorities and reporting systems hindered project progress. The lack of a shared definition of 'health' challenged the effective collaboration between health clinicians and child protection practitioners and the role of the health navigator. The health navigator raising health awareness through project involvement, training and sector‐wide stakeholder engagement resulted in a slow but steady process of increased prioritisation of health care, increased health literacy among the child protection workforce, and broadening participation of area‐based stakeholders, but did not translate to increased access to health plans for children. Conclusion: Integrating health systems across multiple sites with support of a health navigator revealed difficulties, particularly during COVID‐19. The first phase of the project demonstrated the value of shared governance and partnerships as an imperative foundation for fundamental change. Relationships strengthened throughout the project, leading to a better understanding of area‐based strengths, which in turn supports improved pathways to health care for children and young people in OOHC within rural communities and driving the subsequent phases of the 10‐year project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Farmers face a range of factors that negatively influence their mental health and suicide risk, yet have limited access to appropriate support. Behavioural activation (BA) is an evidence‐based therapy that can be effectively delivered by nonclinical workers. Working with members of farming communities to deliver BA to their peers has the potential to overcome many well‐established barriers to mental health help‐seeking and improve outcomes for this at‐risk group. Objective: This paper describes the findings of a co‐design phase informing the development of a peer (farmer)‐led approach for delivering BA for farmers living with depression or low mood. Design: This qualitative study used a co‐design approach involving members of the target community. Focus groups were transcribed and analysed using Thematic Analysis and the Framework approach. Findings: Ten online focus groups with 22 participants were held over 3 months. Four overarching, interlinked themes were identified: (i) filling the gap in rural mental health support; (ii) alignment with the farming context—tailoring how, where and when we engage about mental health; (iii) the 'messenger' is as important as the message; and (iv) sustainability, governance and support. Discussion: Findings suggest BA could be a contextually appropriate model of support for the farming community—given its practical and solution‐focused approach—and could help improve access to support. Having peer workers deliver the intervention was viewed as appropriate. Ensuring governance structures are developed to support peers to deliver the intervention will be essential to facilitate effectiveness, safety and sustainability. Conclusion: Insights gained through co‐design have been critical to the success of developing this new model of support for members of farming communities experiencing depression or low mood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The study aimed at determining the factors that contributed to older people presenting from residential aged care facilities (RACFs) to the emergency department (ED) of a regional Victorian hospital located in MM3 regional area. Methods: Appropriateness of transfer was assessed based on predefined criteria, and associated costs for each presentation were calculated. Design: The study carried out a retrospective review of records between July and December 2021. Data were extracted in a MS Excel spreadsheet and transferred to STATA 15.0 for analysis. Setting: Large regional health service in Victoria. Participants: Residential aged care facilities residents presenting to the ED. Main Outcome Measures: Was transfer appropriate or avoidable, costs associated with avoidable transfer, characteristics of the patient and circumstances relating to presentation to hospital. Results: A total of 448 presentations were recorded, and 85% of residents were >75 years of age. More than 60% of presentations occurred during weekends or after hours, with the most common reason being falls (31.9%). Over half (55.6%) of all presentations were avoidable which incurred a cost of $777 200 in 6 months. In multiple logistic regression, higher ED presentations were observed in residents with no prior GP assessment (OR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.02–2.11). Conclusions: Necessary interventions such as preventing falls and increasing primary care access along with improving the quality of advance care directives (ACD) may reduce RACF transfers to the regional ED. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper of this kind that provides new data from an Australian rural and regional perspective and adds value to the growing body of knowledge in the intersection of aged care and acute emergency care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Telehealth has become an increasingly popular method to deliver mental health services to rural and remote youth who are challenged by distance and service availability. However, it remains unclear whether rural and remote youth would prefer to access mental health services via telehealth or by attending services in person. Objective: To systematically review the preferences of rural and remote youth for mental health service access via telehealth versus face‐to‐face consultation. Design: Systematic review of published research papers cited in databases CINAHL, MEDLINE and PubMed databases between 2000 and 2021. Findings From a total of 225 articles identified, four were found to meet inclusion criteria. Three studies reported rural and remote youth preferred to access mental health services face‐to‐face over telehealth. However, three studies also reported youth viewed telehealth as an important adjunct to in person attendance, especially in situations of large travel times. Discussion Although telehealth can facilitate mental health service access, rural and remote youth may prefer to see a mental health professional in person, with telehealth regarded as an adjunct to, not a replacement for, face‐to‐face consultation. Conclusion: Whilst rural and remote youth may prefer to access mental health services in person rather than via telehealth, further well designed research is needed to better understand under what circumstances this preference holds true and why. Caution should be exercised in generalising this finding because of the few studies that met the inclusion criteria and different conditions under which youth made their choice to access mental health services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This paper draws on the principles of suicide risk safety planning to co‐design a farming community resource for preventing and managing risks to mental health. Setting: This project was undertaken in the Great South Coast Region of Victoria, Australia. Participants: A working group (n = 6–8) from the Victorian farming community contributed to the iterative co‐design and co‐production of Steering Straight: My plan to keep on track. Twenty‐four members of the farming community pilot tested Steering Straight. Design: Co‐design to develop, pilot and refine the resource with working group and target farming community. Results: Steering Straight was viewed positively by the farming community as a tool that prompts prioritising well‐being; encourages reflection, planning and concrete steps towards taking action; helps set and meet personal goals; is simple and practical; and identifies pathways to support. Most participants (94%) completed Steering Straight on their own, taking approximately 15–30 min to create their personalised plan. Questions most likely to be filled in related to recognising personal signs of deteriorating well‐being and listing and planning enjoyable activities. A majority of participants (67%) kept a hard copy of their Steering Straight plan on hand to refer back to, while 78% expressed a preference for a digital version. Conclusion: The co‐design and co‐production process resulted in a tailored prevention‐focused resource that was accepted and valued by the farming community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Farmers are prone to poor well‐being and are at higher risks of suicide than the general population. The aim of this study was to understand whether the negative impact of daily stressors on Australian farmers' well‐being could be buffered through a strong internal locus of control – a strong sense of control over what happens in life. Methods: Australian farmers self‐reported their well‐being, daily stress, and locus of control. Design: Cross‐sectional via pen‐and‐paper survey. Setting: Participants completed the surveys at the beginning of agricultural management training courses. Participants: Australian farmers (N = 129, M age = 39 ± 12 years, 54.7% male). Main Outcome Measures Internal and external locus of control, daily stress, and subjective well‐being. Results: More daily stressors were associated to poorer well‐being, regardless of external locus of control; however, farmers with a stronger internal locus of control were buffered from the negative impacts of daily stressors. That is, daily stressors were not significantly associated with well‐being for farmers with a strong internal locus of control. Conclusions: Internal locus of control may be a significant factor in supporting good well‐being for farmers. Further research should investigate how to enhance internal locus of control amongst this population. It may be that interventions to enhance internal locus of control in farmers could improve their well‐being and productivity, good outcomes for the individual farmers, and global society overall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and Objective: Building rural health workforce research capacity is critical to addressing rural health inequalities. Research training is a mainstay research capacity building strategy. This paper describes the delivery and evaluation of a research training program for rural and regional allied health professions (AHPs). Design: A mentored research training program was delivered to AHPs employed public health services in rural and regional Victoria, Australia. The program was evaluated using the Evidence‐Based Practice Knowledge Attitudes and Practice (EBP‐KAP) tool at baseline and 3 months post‐training. Semi‐structured interviews undertaken at 3 and 16 months post‐training explored participants' perspectives of the training, their development and application of EBP and research skills. Survey data were analysed descriptively, and interview data were analysed using a framework approach. Findings: Thirty‐four individuals from 14 organisations attended the first workshop and 31 attended the second. Thirty‐one participants completed the survey at baseline and nine at 3 months post‐training. Sixteen interviews were undertaken with 11 participants, five participating at both time points. Participants had positive EBP attitudes at both time points. Overall, participants' knowledge and incorporation of EBP into their practice, and retrieval of evidence was unchanged 3 months post‐training. Themes identified in the interview data were as follows: (1) individual research capacity enhanced through supported practice, (2) organisational factors influence individuals' progression of research and (3) individual contributions towards research capacity within the organisation. Conclusion: A mentored rural research training program promoted the application of EBP skills at the individual level and contributed to organisational research capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: COVID‐19 rapidly transformed how Australians access health care services. This paper considers how the inability for urban patients to access in‐person care expediated the introduction of virtual solutions in health service delivery thus creating a new access paradigm for rural and remote Australians. Context: 'Physical distancing' is a phrase synonymous with public health responses to COVID‐19 in Australia, but distance is a decades‐long problem for rural health access. Counterintuitively, the pandemic and associated restrictions on mobility have reduced in real terms the distance from, and therefore the time taken to access, critical public services. 'Lockdowns' have unlocked health access for rural and remote Australians in ways that had been rejected prior to 2020. The pandemic has disrupted traditional delivery models and allowed the piloting of novel solutions, at the same time as stress‐testing current delivery systems. In the process, it has laid bare a myopia we term 'urban paternalism' in understanding and delivering rural health. Approach: This commentary outlines how the COVID‐19 operating environment has challenged traditional urban‐dominated policy thinking about virtual health care delivery and how greater availability of telehealth appointments goes some way to reducing the health access gap for rural and remote Australians. Conclusion: Australian Commonwealth Government policy changes to expand the Medical Benefit Scheme (MBS) to include telephone or online health consultations are a positive initiative towards supporting Australians through the ongoing public health crisis and have also created access parity for some rural and remote patients. Although initially announced as a temporary COVID‐19 measure in March 2020, telehealth has now become a permanent feature of the Medicare landscape. This significant public health reform has paved the way for a more flexible and inclusive universal health care system but, more importantly, taken much needed steps towards improving access to primary health care for patients in rural and remote areas. Now the question is: Can the health care system integrate this virtual model of delivery into 'business as usual' to ensure the long‐term sustainability of telehealth services to rural and remote Australia? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and Context: As a University Department of Rural Health, we have identified recurrent areas of service need among vulnerable rural populations, specifically the need for allied health. Concurrently, we have also identified missed opportunities for deliberate collaborative practice in rural clinical placements. This paper provides a commentary on our work in progress as we work to leverage available opportunities to provide both service from and education for health profession students on rural clinical placements. Approach: We developed a transdisciplinary placement model, informed by practice theory, which encompasses pre‐placement preparation, student support, host sites and clinicians, and a structured evaluation strategy. This model aims to facilitate service provision alongside of student learning about community and collaborative practice. In particular, the co‐design of the model is expected to facilitate student's sense of social accountability and reduce stigma in working with vulnerable population groups. Conclusion: This paper highlights the need for greater alignment between rural health education and practice, describes a placement model that is working towards this and showcases how this has been enacted in a remote community in New South Wales. More cross‐sector discussion and evaluation is needed to determine the implications of adopting this model more widely if service and learning opportunities are to be equally achieved, and to determine the ways in which training and service provision can be aligned with community need, as recommended in the recent Rural Health Commissioner Report. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify and assess the drivers and barriers to recruiting and retaining doctors in rural communities of high‐income countries. Design: A systematic review and thematic analysis. Setting: Publications were sourced from medical and scientific databases online. Participants: Qualitative, mixed‐methods and review studies from peer‐reviewed journals published since 2000 that discussed recruitment or retention of doctors to rural areas in high‐income countries. Main outcome measures: Identification and assessment of themes in the literature pertaining to recruitment and retention of rural doctors. Recurrent themes were assessed for relevance and applicability to current rural shortages. Results: A thematic analysis was completed on 41 papers assessed as in scope of the review. Papers were scrutinised for relevance to established rural recruitment and retention strategies. Key themes were rural background, education and training, personal and professional circumstances, and integration with the community. Conclusion: While rural origin has long been promoted as the key factor for recruiting rural doctors, initiatives targeting only these individuals ignore a potentially larger cohort of future rural doctors. Rurally focused medical education and training need to encompass students and doctors from all backgrounds. The major barriers to rural recruitment are family‐unit considerations for partners and children, concerns over isolation and a poor perception of rural practice. Attracting doctors to practise rurally is only half the challenge however, and strategies to retain rural doctors need a greater focus on personal and professional support networks and community integration. Additional strategies are needed to retain international and bonded doctors restricted to rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper nuances the notion of access when considering minority segments and their use of health care services in rural communities. It argues that access needs to be considered as both the availability and the perceived ability to use a service without fear of retribution. By taking such a stance, this paper addresses the inequality in LGBTQI+ care in rural communities. It claims equitable care can only be achieved if the appropriate environment is created where individuals can disclose their identity and seek appropriate treatment. Given the complexity surrounding rural communities, their prevailing culture and perceptions, as well as stigmas and poor health outcome, a multilevel approach is taken to identify implications. It is argued that to address the individual and systemic barriers to equitable health care, a human rights‐centred approach to health needs to be adopted considering the individual, the community and the health system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Australian policy reports recommended schools to be leveraged to better support student mental health, with a focus on regional and rural areas where students have poorer mental health outcomes. In designing solutions to address this systemic gap, decision‐makers require an understanding of the barriers and facilitators experienced by regional and rural schools. However, current literature has focused on metropolitan schools and neglected to explore facilitators. Objective: To review the evidence on barriers and facilitators in delivering student mental health support experienced by regional and rural schools in Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development nations. Design: A mixed‐methods systematic review of peer‐reviewed and grey literature. Findings: The search identified 4819 studies. A full‐text review by 2 reviewers resulted in 5 papers, which met the inclusion criteria and were assessed using methodological appraisal. One study used qualitative data, 2 studies used quantitative data, and 2 studies were a mixed‐methods design. Discussion: While there was a paucity of studies, this review draws together the most up‐to‐date research. The barriers and facilitators were categorised into 3 themes: access to services and resources; mental health literacy of staff and parents; and communication and collaboration between stakeholders. Conclusion: This review presents a comprehensive synthesis of the literature and highlights opportunities to leverage rural and regional schools to support student mental health, focusing on the quality of communication and collaboration, and increasing access to services and resources, and mental health literacy. Research should explore the unique advantages of rural and regional areas to inform policy, including a focus on strengths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Across higher education, systems and policies explicitly address the impact of research. This paper contributes to the impact and engagement discussion from a regional, rural and remote perspective. We focus on how impact and engagement fit with regional, rural and remote research and explore strategies that can be employed to enhance impact and engagement in a rural health research context. Context: The impact agenda in Australia is a response to a worldwide call for demonstrable change or potential for change resulting from university research. As funding models evolve to integrate impact, there are increased pressures for universities and academics to plan for, evidence and report on it. The current lack of focus on impact in regional, rural and remote research may further disadvantage regional, rural and remote researchers' prospects for career progression and funding opportunities. Approach: Ignoring or avoiding impact will marginalise rural researchers and research. We discuss the definitions of impact and engagement as they apply to rural research and argue that engagement and impact must be commensurate with employment conditions. To platform regional, rural and remote impact, we provide strategies to assist researchers and administrators in building impact and engagement into their research and academic culture. Conclusion: The message to researchers is that impact is here to stay. The high levels of rural engagement can lead to impact, but we need to be clever at providing clear evidence to make that visible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Rural‐urban health inequities, exacerbated by deprivation and ethnicity, have been clearly described in the international literature. To date, the same inequities have not been as clearly demonstrated in Aotearoa New Zealand despite the lower socioeconomic status and higher proportion of Māori living in rural towns. This is ascribed by many health practitioners, academics and other informed stakeholders to be the result of the definitions of 'rural' used to produce statistics. Aims: To outline a protocol to produce a 'fit‐for‐health purpose' rural‐urban classification for analysing national health data. The classification will be designed to determine the magnitude of health inequities that have been obscured by use of inappropriate rural‐urban taxonomies. Methods: This protocol paper outlines our proposed mixed‐methods approach to developing a novel Geographic Classification for Health. In phase 1, an agreed set of community attributes will be used to modify the new Statistics New Zealand Urban Accessibility Classification into a more appropriate classification of rurality for health contexts. The Geographic Classification for Health will then be further developed in an iterative process with stakeholders including rural health researchers and members of the National Rural Health Advisory Group, who have a comprehensive 'on the ground' understanding of Aotearoa New Zealand's rural communities and their attendant health services. This protocol also proposes validating the Geographic Classification for Health using general practice enrolment data. In phase 2, the resulting Geographic Classification for Health will be applied to routinely collected data from the Ministry of Health. This will enable current levels of rural‐urban inequity in health service access and outcomes to be accurately assessed and give an indication of the extent to which older classifications were masking inequities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore how four small towns in rural New South Wales known as the 4Ts are addressing challenges accessing quality care and sustainable health services through a collaborative approach to workforce planning using the collaborative care framework. Design: Descriptive case study approach. Setting: The collaborative care project was developed as a result of ongoing partnerships between 2 rural Local Health Districts, 2 Primary Health Networks and a non‐governmental health workforce organisation. The collaboration works with 5 subregions each comprising 2 or more rural communities. This paper focuses on the 4Ts subregion. Participants: Stakeholders of the collaborative design including organisations and the community. Intervention: A place‐based approach to co‐designing health services with community in one sub‐region of Western New South Wales. Main outcome measures: A synthesis of field observations and experiences of community and jurisdictional partners in implementation of the 4Ts subregional model. Mapping of implementation processes against the collaborative care framework. Results: The collaborative care framework is a useful planning and community engagement tool to build health workforce literacy and to impact on system change at the local level. We identify key elements of effectiveness in establishing the 4Ts model, including the need for coordinated health system planning, better integrating existing resources to deliver services, community engagement, building health workforce literacy and town‐based planning. Conclusion: This study adds to the body of knowledge about how to successfully develop a collaborative primary health care workforce model in practice. The findings demonstrate that the implementation of a collaborative primary health care workforce model using the collaborative care framework can improve service access and quality, which in turn might facilitate workforce sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In the aftermath of fires which swept through a regional community in 2013, community leaders were thrust, unprepared, into the disaster recovery arena. The objective of this research was to investigate the subsequent lived experience of these community leaders and, based on this information, develop a guide to meet the challenges for their personal preparation in the context of disaster. Design: Ethical approval for the overarching Community Connections project was provided by Charles Sturt University (H2014073). The project design was informed by an interpretivist paradigm and the methodology embraced participatory action research and thus engaged community members and leaders as research partners. This paper reports on the community leader component of the overarching project. Setting: Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia. Participants: There were 7 interview participants in both 2014 and 2018; 5 participated in both years. Participants were either managers of a local non‐government organisation, peak body, school, emergency service or large relief organisation with a local presence. Main outcome measure: The development of a guide for the personal preparation of community leaders. Results: The stress of community leaders escalated after the disaster, resulting in a debilitating blurring of professional and personal boundaries, heightened demand on personal knowledge, networking relationships and communication strategies. Conclusion: The guide is practical and far reaching; the researchers could not locate anything similar to guide community leaders in their personal planning and preparation for work in disaster recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To highlight the experiences and challenges of international medical graduates (IMGs) living and working in rural and remote Tasmania, and how this informs their acculturation and retention in the state. Design: This paper reports the findings from the Tasmanian IMG questionnaire, which was administered both in hardcopy and online format to all known IMGs within the state. A total of 105 questionnaires were returned, representing a response rate of 30.0%. Results: IMGs were from the 30 countries and the majority were under 49 years of age, had migrated in the past 10 years, with over half having worked in the state for less than 2 years. Many IMGs indicated that they were satisfied with their current employment, the medical facilities, the friendliness of their patients and the friendliness of the community where they lived, and would like to stay much longer in Tasmania. Conclusions: Many IMGs have previously lived and worked in rural areas and are reasonably satisfied with their current employment and lifestyle in Tasmania. However, the following factors play an important part in their views and attitudes: employment satisfaction, access to schools, employment for spouse or partner and access to cultural or religious foods and goods. Nevertheless, beyond employment satisfaction, employment itself, coupled with career pathway and training opportunities, were highlighted as contributory factors for leaving Tasmania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Stepped care models are a possible solution to address service gaps in the provision of psychological therapies for anxiety and/or depression. The benefits may be particularly relevant for people in rural and remote areas and other under‐serviced and/or hard to reach populations, such as older adults. Design: Narrative literature review. Participants: Narrative literature review of the PubMed, Medline, and Psycinfo databases for studies reporting on the results of stepped care psychological interventions for older adults with anxiety and/or depressive symptoms. Main outcomes: Seventy‐seven papers were identified for evaluation of which nine papers met the study criteria (reporting on four individual trials). Results: We identified four controlled studies. Three of the four studies found stepped care intervention to be associated with significantly better clinical outcomes and cost‐effectiveness compared to treatment as usual. Studies primarily targeted subthreshold symptoms, mostly in primary care. Various interventions and stepping models were used. Conclusion: Stepped care has been associated with improved clinical outcomes and costs in older adults, particularly in primary care. There have been no rigorous studies of stepped delivery of psychological interventions to older depressed and anxious adults in alternative settings such as in specialist older adult mental health services or in private clinics. Although the evidence‐base for stepped care interventions is growing, it is not clear what evidence‐based treatment model should be adopted and in what services it could apply. More research is needed. However, the evidence to date is promising and suggests that stepped care approaches are feasible in older adults, and are likely to increase access to high quality interventions for older adults living in rural communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Psychology workforce shortages in geographically rural or remote contexts have highlighted the need to understand the supervisory experiences of psychologists practising in these locations, and the models of supervision employed to support their practice and improve client safety. Objective: To review the models of remote professional supervision and the supervisory experiences of psychologists practising in rural and remote locations. Design: Using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for mixed‐methods systematic review, 8 health and education databases were searched using keyword and subject heading searches. Findings: The initial search identified 413 studies. A full‐text review identified 4 papers that met the inclusion criteria and were subjected to a methodological appraisal by 2 reviewers. Three studies included qualitative data, with 2 using transcribed interviews. Two studies reported quantitative data, with only one study including a statistical analysis of the outcomes. Discussion: The results for the efficacy of the current models of remote supervision being used within the allied health and psychology professions are limited, with methodological limitations cautioning generalisability of results. The experiences of psychologists engaged in remote supervision do not appear to have changed over the past decade despite technological advances. Conclusions: Quality professional supervision is critical for the sustainability of the psychology workforce in rural and remote locations, reducing professional isolation, and for improved patient outcomes. This review identified a need for improved evidence for remote supervision models for psychologists working in geographically rural and remote locations. Lessons can be learned from other health professions' models of remote supervision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Inter‐professional education is a growing area of importance that enables training of health care professionals and students to develop skills in collaborative clinical practice, a critical aspect of disability care. However, research is limited on appropriate on‐site inter‐professional training for the rural and remote disability workforce. This paper aims to explore the features of an effective inter‐professional training approach for rural disability workforce. Setting: Riverland, South Australia. Participants: Clinical educators, allied health professionals, health and service providers and students. Design: A qualitative‐explorative research design, involving focus group discussion and a thematic analysis method were employed in this study. Participants of the focus group discussion completed a capacity building training program centred on inter‐professional education, cultural‐safety and the National Disability Insurance Scheme. National Disability Services Social Impact Measurement Tool was used to evaluate and explore the features of effective inter‐professional training program for existing and emerging disability workforce in rural regions. Results: Four themes emerged from data analysis: inter‐professional education focus; structured inter‐professional training; building collaborative learning environment; and culturally appropriate care practice. Inter‐professional supervision was identified as a key enabler for capacity building in an area with limited health workforce. Inter‐agency collaboration and professional network were identified as important elements to support disability health workforce retention and the transition from novice to practitioner. Prior knowledge about the needs of persons with disability and empathetic relationships influenced the quality of practice. Conclusion: In situ training programs, which provide real‐life rural practice context and harness inter‐agency collaboration, improve effectiveness of rural disability workforce readiness for practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Visiting health services are a feature of health care delivery in rural and remote contexts. These services are often described as ‘fly‐in fly‐out’ or ‘drive‐in drive‐out’. Posing the question ‘What are the different types of visiting models of primary health care being used in rural and remote communities?’, the objective of this article was to describe a typology of models of health services that visit remote communities. A systematic review of peer‐reviewed literature from established databases was undertaken. Data were extracted from 20 papers (16 peer‐reviewed papers and four from other sources), which met the inclusion criteria. From the available evidence, it was difficult to develop a typology of services. The central feature of service providers visiting rural and remote districts on a regular basis was consistent, although the service provider's geographical base varied and the extent to which the same service provider should be providing the service was not consistently endorsed. While a clear typology did not emerge from the systematic review, it became apparent that a set of guiding principles might be more helpful to service providers and planners. Focusing policy and decision‐making on important principles of visiting services, rather than their typological features, is likely to be of ultimately more benefit to the health outcomes of people who live in rural and remote communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the efficacy of a train-the-trainer model for sporting coaches delivering a youth sports-based resilience program. Design: A quasi-experimental design was applied, with a pre-post comparison, utilising purposive sampling to take advantage of an existing naturally formed group. Setting and Participants: A total of 11 coaches and 86 athletes involved in a community rowing program. Main outcome measure(s): Coaches responded to paper-based measures of resilience and knowledge/attitudes pre- and post-completion of a training workshop. Athletes responded to online measures of stress, efficacy and life satisfaction pre-and post-completion of a resilience program. Results: Following the completion of the train-the-trainer workshop, coaches reported significant increases in general knowledge and confidence in teaching resilience skills. Following the delivery of the resilience program, athlete self-efficacy and satisfaction with life scores were significantly higher, with significant reductions in reported stress for athletes trained by the varsity-level coaches. Conclusion: There is support for investing in a train-the-trainer model for the delivery of a resilience skills program within a sports context. Caution is given to investing in the training and support of the coaches, particularly coaches with less coaching experience. These results are consistent with previous research and demonstrate support for coach-led resilience programs being effective in community settings, with implications for rural and remote locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This paper reports findings from a study that sought to better understand the experiences of parents and their children with emergent mental health challenges following the parent's participation in a nurse-led therapeutic group. Design: This was an explorative qualitative study using semi-structured interviews which were then thematically analysed. Setting: Findings from this single-site study are drawn from regional Australia. Participants: Twenty parents and seven of their children aged between 13 and 24. Interventions: Family systems based therapeutic group intervention delivered to the parents of young people attending headspace. Main outcome measure: In line with qualitative research approaches, the participants lived experience was the outcome measure. Result: Three key themes were found in the data: (a) improved parent-child relationships, (b) understanding and being understood and (c) multi-generational perspectives. Conclusion: Regional and remote regions are challenged with comparatively fewer and less diverse services for youth mental health than in urban centres. Findings from this exploratory study highlight that young people can experience therapeutic gains where their parents are the recipients of the intervention. Recommendations from these findings include pursuing further research on the therapeutic gains of parental family system-based groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study examines consumer engagement with a social marketing digital media strategy designed to support the implementation of Equally Well--a program to improve the physical health of people living with mental illness. Design: A four-stage strategic analysis and intervention mix were used as the theoretical framework to assess stakeholder needs and to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention. Setting: Online and digital media. Participants: Mental health consumers, carers, clinicians and service managers. Interventions: A digital media, social marketing intervention to support those seeking to improve the physical health of people living with mental illness. The strategy was developed using a co-design methodology and provided links to self-care resources, access to service providers, clinical tools for health professionals and links to existing successful rural programs. Main outcome measures: The main outcome measures were the number of people from each category accessing the media, making connections and downloading resources. Results: The program has resulted in more than 24 500 website hits per annum, 3500 tweets and 14.5 million Twitter impressions with good bounce and download rates. The analysis suggested the materials were mostly used by clinicians and service managers using desktop computers. Conclusions: Using a co-design approach, the study demonstrated the potential of a social marketing digital media strategy as a health promotion methodology. The paper has provided a framework for implementing and evaluating the effectiveness of digital social media campaigns that can help consumers, carers, clinicians and service planners address the challenges of rural health service delivery and the tyranny of distance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this paper was to use current stroke care guidelines to identify and discuss current stroke care challenges in rural Australian health care and potential solutions for delivery of evidence‐based practice. Design and setting: A review of national guidelines since 2002 for organised stroke care was undertaken to determine best practice for delivering primary stroke care. We then employed a narrative literature review strategy looking at relevant articles, based on keywords, outlining current stroke service availability in Australia, highlighting the challenges of implementing evidence‐based stroke care in rural areas in Australia based on the current guidelines. Results: Delivery of evidence‐based stroke care in rural Australia is fraught with challenges. Although national best‐practice guidelines for stroke care are well established, the recommendations made in these guidelines do not always reflect the resource availability in rural Australia. Redesigning processes and utilising available resources, such as telemedicine or local clinical pathways, can achieve an evidence‐based standard; however, ultimately better resourcing of these areas is required. Conclusion: Evidence‐based stroke care, aligned with current national standards is the key to providing adequate stroke services in rural Australia. Improved health service resourcing and better utilisation of currently available resources are options for achieving elements of evidence‐based stroke care. Implications for public health: Availability of adequate services for stroke patients directly impacts public health as it determines health outcomes for these patients. Indirect implications for public health include the effects on health professionals and the general public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Aboriginal people experience a higher burden of disease as a consequence of drug and alcohol (D&A) abuse. Although media campaigns can be a popular tool for disseminating health promotion messages, evidence of the extent to which they reduce the impact of substance abuse is limited, especially for rural Aboriginal communities. This paper is the first to examine the impact a locally designed D&A radio advertising campaign for Aboriginal people in a remote community in Western NSW. Design A post-intervention evaluation. Setting The radio campaign was implemented in Bourke, (population 2465, 30% Aboriginal). Participants Fifty-three community surveys were completed. Main outcome measure(s) The self-reported level of awareness of the campaign and the number of self-referrals to local D&A workers in the intervention period. Results Most respondents (79%) reported they listen to radio on a daily basis, with 75% reporting that they had heard one or more of the advertisements. The advertisement that was remembered best contained the voice of a respected, local person. There was one self-referral to local health services during the intervention timeframe. Conclusion The community-led radio advertising campaign increased community awareness of substance abuse harms, but had limited impact on formal help-seeking. This paper highlights the value of radio as a commonly used, trusted and culturally relevant health promotion medium for rural communities, especially when engaging local respected Aboriginal presenters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]