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Hospitalisation can be a challenging experience for young people, including higher levels of anxiety, social isolation, and depression. In this paper we identify the possibilities of an applied theatre pilot that aimed to combine co-designed virtual reality (VR) approaches with intermedial work with young people in hospital. Within the pilot study we worked with three participants in individualised bedside workshops over a four-week period. Analysis from the pilot demonstrated the significance of the co-design process leading to greater degrees of agency for young people, and opportunities for the participants to share experiences with medical staff, carers, and siblings.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore the work-based learning (WBL) ethos of a professional studies doctoral program, a higher degree by research program implemented in Australia. Design/methodology/approach: This is a preliminary case study of one higher degree by research program and two doctoral candidates participating in the program to explore the ethos and outcomes of the program. Findings: The program has sought to develop a different type of higher education ethos, one characterized by an open-door communications policy, a critical friend philosophy, an emphasis on teamwork, pro tem supervision and a new model for doctoral supervision, self-designed work-based projects, self-directed research programs and the development of professional identity. Originality/value: The characteristics and contributions of WBL programs at the doctoral level have been well documented in the academic literature, but the unique ethos, if there is one, of such programs has yet to be fully examined. This study goes some of the way to answering the question of whether such programs have a unique ethos and if so what are its features and how might it contribute to student development.

The paper provides a review of some of the terminologies and definitions of applied theatre, critiques the "transformative principle" argued for by some applied researchers, and extends this to a discussion on the complex relationship between donor agendas and the politics of intention that contribute to the shaping of applied discourse (Taylor 2003, 1). The paper goes on to propose a theatre of "little changes" which eschews big claims of social efficacy, and suggests the need for a discourse which can better articulate an interdependence between the aesthetic imperatives and the possibilities of social engagement.

Background: Emergency medicine is a well-established specialty in Australia and New Zealand. The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has progressively identified the value of this discipline across a range of domestic and deployed activities, with EM trainees and fellows deploying on a range of ADF exercises and operations since 1991. In 2017, Operation OKRA (Iraq) saw the first ADF deployment of specialist emergency physicians (EPs) in a dedicated EP position as the Senior Medical Officer and lead clinician of a deployed health facility. Purpose: This narrative review seeks to highlight the skills and abilities EPs bring to the ADF, as well as opportunities for the future. Conclusion: ADF EPs are increasingly providing key clinical capabilities within Role 1, 2 and 2E facilities on exercises and overseas deployments, and have established the requirement for EP inclusion in the manning of future deployed facilities. Involvement of EPs in ADF technical and clinical governance at all levels will enable these specialists to provide advice to commanders as well as clinicians, and influence policy and future ADF health capability development [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Awareness: develop and evaluate the impact of digital strategies in helping veterans and their families acquire mental health knowledge. • Motivation: increase engagement with mental health literacy initiatives through a documentary performance featuring ex-servicemen and actors. • Action: implement and evaluate a psycho-educational program in partnership with the University of British Columbia, Canada (Balfour et al., 2014). • Synthesize an approach to effective interventions in arts-based practice with returning veterans and their families. The rich history of arts, mental health and military work dates back to the First World War. The article describes an arts-based four-year research project focussed on work with returning military personnel and their families dealing with mental health issues. The Difficult Return , funded by an Australian Research Council Discovery grant, consisted of three distinct interventions: an online mental health awareness campaign; a documentary-play designed to motivate military audience to seek help; and a ten-day intensive psychotherapeutic program utilising enactments. The paper will outline key concepts used, methods, approach and the implications for further research. In the paper, I argue that arts-based mental health projects need to combine multi-disciplinary approaches that embrace complex paradigms, and that a variety of integrated arts approaches may be efficacious in building communities of interest, that in turn can interact, contribute and collaborate together to build good mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the challenge of Applied Theatre courses in developing specialized competencies that can help students understand real-life social and cultural needs. It cites the unique structure in which Applied Theatre courses are developed including its alignment to learning objectives, and ensuring that students acquire the use of meta-cognitive skills for reflecting their practice of theatre skills. The article also cites the growth of work-integrated learning (WIL) in Australia.