Australian Journal of Rural Health最新文献

{"title":"‘Isn't It Just a Chat?’ Allied Health Students' Experiences of Structured Clinical Supervision During Remote Placements in Australia","authors":"Nikki Hulse, Negin Loh, Kylie Hopkins, James Debenham, Robyn Doney","doi":"10.1111/ajr.70173","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ajr.70173","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study explored allied health students' understanding and perceptions of student supervision during remote clinical placements that had adopted a newly developed structured clinical supervision model.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Setting</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The study was conducted in the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Participants</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Participants were 60 occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech pathology students who completed placements facilitated by Majarlin, a University Department of Rural Health, in the region between February and December 2021.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Design</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A convergent mixed-methods design was used to study pre- and post-placement surveys with Likert-scale and open-ended items. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, qualitative responses were thematically analysed, and data were integrated to contextualise student perceptions across the two cross-sectional samples.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Thirty-eight students (63% participation) completed at least one survey (25 completed both surveys; 6 completed only the pre-placement survey; and 7 completed only the post-placement survey). Pre-placement responses to quantitative questions commonly reflected limited or uncertain understandings of supervision; fewer than half understood their university's expectations for supervision; and only 29% had received information about the structured clinical supervision model. Post-placement qualitative reflections frequently described supervision as a structured, reflective, and supportive process. Most students reported receiving weekly one-to-one and group supervision (84%), opportunities for peer-assisted learning (88%), and supervision that incorporated reflective practice, education, and client safety (69%). Two-thirds (66%) indicated they would recommend the model to future students.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Students described the structured clinical supervision model as enhancing their learning, confidence and engagement with supervision during remote placements. Both qualitative and quantitative findings emphasised the value of consistent, structured supervision, including protected one-to-one and group supervision time. Variability in supervision delivery, particularly where studen","PeriodicalId":55421,"journal":{"name":"Australian Journal of Rural Health","volume":"34 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13014205/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147516933","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Stakeholder Perspectives on Ear and Hearing Health Service Provision for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children","authors":"Jacqueline H. Stephens,&nbsp;Brianna F. Poirier,&nbsp;Amanda Machell,&nbsp;Patricia L. Macfarlane,&nbsp;Nicola J. Spurrier,&nbsp;Leanne Quirino","doi":"10.1111/ajr.70167","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ajr.70167","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Ear disease and hearing loss are largely preventable; however, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children experience some of the highest rates globally. National and state guidelines recommend involving Aboriginal Health Workers/Practitioners (AHWP) in ear and hearing screening, but no investigation has been conducted into stakeholder perspectives on their role.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Setting, Participants and Design</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Key stakeholders involved in ear and hearing screening participated in semi-structured interviews via teleconference to explore their views on current screening processes, AHWP engagement and strategies for improvement.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Thirteen stakeholders participated. Five themes were identified: (i) a fragmented, short-sighted and inconsistent system; (ii) confusion around scope of practice; (iii) workforce capacity; (iv) community awareness and knowledge and (v) service provision and utilisation. Strategies for improvement included strengthening workforce capacity, implementing a family friendly approach (e.g., no age limits), dedicated ear health champions to facilitate timely and appropriate follow-up and the potential role for technology in the ear health pathway. Stakeholders also advocated for the need for community education to raise awareness of the impacts of poor ear and hearing health.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study describes the current state of ear and hearing health services for Aboriginal children and provides insights into improving ear and hearing screening programmes.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55421,"journal":{"name":"Australian Journal of Rural Health","volume":"34 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13014056/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147516952","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Tobacco Smoking-Attributable Burden of Disease in the Adult Northern Territory Population, 2014–18","authors":"Ramakrishna Chondur,&nbsp;Yuejen Zhao,&nbsp;Renu Unnikrishnan,&nbsp;Alyson Wright,&nbsp;Paul Burgess,&nbsp;Geetanjali Lamba","doi":"10.1111/ajr.70155","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ajr.70155","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 &lt;section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;h3&gt; Introduction&lt;/h3&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;p&gt;Tobacco smoking is an important preventable cause of death and disease in Australia. Smoking rates are higher in the Northern Territory (NT) among Aboriginal peoples living in remote areas. Understanding smoking-attributable mortality and burden of disease in the NT population is important for building awareness and implementing targeted public health strategies.&lt;/p&gt;\u0000 &lt;/section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;h3&gt; Objective&lt;/h3&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;p&gt;To estimate the impact of tobacco smoking on mortality and morbidity in the NT Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal populations aged 30 years and above between 2014 and 2018.&lt;/p&gt;\u0000 &lt;/section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;h3&gt; Setting&lt;/h3&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;p&gt;NT, Australia.&lt;/p&gt;\u0000 &lt;/section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;h3&gt; Participants&lt;/h3&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;p&gt;Adults (&gt; 30 years) who were NT residents.&lt;/p&gt;\u0000 &lt;/section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;h3&gt; Methods&lt;/h3&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;p&gt;We used the NT Burden of Disease study (2014–2018) results and Global Burden of Disease methods to estimate smoking-attributable deaths and smoking-attributable burden of disease for the NT Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal populations. The smoking prevalence data were based on 2018–19 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heath Survey and 2016 National Drugs Strategy Household Survey.&lt;/p&gt;\u0000 &lt;/section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;h3&gt; Results&lt;/h3&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;p&gt;Smoking was attributable to 18.3% of the total deaths for NT adults aged 30 years and above with 23.8% in Aboriginal and 13.9% in the non-Aboriginal population. Smoking explained 19.5% and 10.7% of total disability adjusted life years among the NT Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal populations respectively. The top three smoking-attributable burden of diseases for the Aboriginal population were ischaemic heart disease, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In the non-Aboriginal population, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and back pain were the leading causes of smoking-attributable burden. Leading causes of smoking-related mortality in the Aboriginal population were ischaemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and diabetes, while in non-Aboriginal population the most common causes were lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, ischaemic heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease.&lt;/p&gt;\u0000 &lt;/section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;h3&gt; Conclusions&lt;/h3&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;p&gt;Tobacco smoking was associated with a higher burden of disease among the Aboriginal population than the non-Aboriginal population. Our study quantifies the dis","PeriodicalId":55421,"journal":{"name":"Australian Journal of Rural Health","volume":"34 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147516867","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Identifying the Mental Health Research Priorities in Rural Settings, With Implications for Coastal Communities: A Rapid Evidence Synthesis","authors":"Viet-Hai Phung,&nbsp;David Nelson,&nbsp;Ros Kane,&nbsp;Kyla Pennington,&nbsp;Joseph Akanuwe,&nbsp;Harriet Moore,&nbsp;Robert Dean,&nbsp;Russell Roberts,&nbsp;Derek Ward,&nbsp;Jaspreet Phull,&nbsp;Tracy McCranor,&nbsp;Colin Hopkirk,&nbsp;Jon Mansfield,&nbsp;Richard Morriss,&nbsp;Mark Gussy,&nbsp;Dave Dawson,&nbsp;Nima Moghaddam","doi":"10.1111/ajr.70171","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ajr.70171","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>There appears to be a spatial mismatch in rural communities between demand for and uptake of mental health services. There is currently no existing evidence synthesis of mental health research priorities pertaining explicitly to rural and coastal contexts.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The rapid review aimed to identify and map existing international evidence on rural and coastal mental health research priorities.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Design</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A rapid systematic review was conducted, consistent with guidelines from the Cochrane Rapid Review Methods Group and PRISMA. Keywords and subject headings were searched in PubMed and PsycINFO. Supplementary searching was performed in Google Scholar. Data were extracted using an adapted version of the REPRISE framework. Content analysis was conducted to establish priorities.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Findings</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>1285 studies were screened and 20 publications included (Australia <i>n</i> = 8, USA <i>n</i> = 9, UK <i>n</i> = 2, no geographic focus <i>n</i> = 1). The content analysis grouped the priorities into seven categories: (1) interventions; (2) space and place; (3) stakeholder engagement; (4) improving understanding; (5) standardising data and terminology; (6) outreach; and (7) collaboration. Within these categories, there were 16 priorities and 53 sub-priorities. No evidence focused on mental health research priorities in coastal contexts.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Discussion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Future rural mental health research requires stronger collaboration between relevant stakeholders to reflect local needs. Participatory research is key to achieving that. There was no mental health research priority setting exercise that accounted for the coastal context, highlighting a notable gap.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The findings can inform how rural and coastal mental health research proceeds at a local, national, and international level.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55421,"journal":{"name":"Australian Journal of Rural Health","volume":"34 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13003580/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147488597","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Implementing the Virtual Integrated Practice (VIP) Program to Support Rural General Practice Viability in Australia","authors":"Jennifer Job,&nbsp;Ruby Strauss,&nbsp;Zena Martin,&nbsp;Claire Jackson","doi":"10.1111/ajr.70172","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ajr.70172","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>With a lack of medical workforce delaying patient access to general practitioners (GPs) in rural and remote regions, models of care are urgently needed to improve access and continuity of care. This evaluation aims to understand implementation outcomes, determinants and strategies to support broader implementation of the Virtual Integrated Practice (VIP) Program.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Setting</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>VIP provides an urban-based GP to a rural general practice in Queensland, offering ongoing care to patients remotely via telehealth.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Participants</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The VIP GP joins the practice part-time for a minimum of 12–18 months and works onsite for a short period (3–5 days) every 6 months.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Design</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This mixed methods evaluation reviewed the service, billing, cost and patient survey data collected, and qualitative interviews were conducted with VIP GP delivery staff. The interview transcripts were coded, and thematic analysis was guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and used to derive implementation determinants.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The service was delivered in eight rural/remote Queensland practices (2021–2024) involving 8309 episodes of care. Recurrent costs included staff wages, GP onsite visits and digital infrastructure. Qualitative interviews conducted with 15 VIP GP delivery staff highlighted determinants related to VIP GP model design and relative advantage, partnership codesign and funding, cost, infrastructure, and program staff.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This evaluation highlighted the ongoing feasibility of the VIP model in supplementing rural workforce and improving patient access and continuity of care. Strategies key to implementation include partner and recruitment support and ensuring suitable practice staff and digital infrastructure at the practice.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55421,"journal":{"name":"Australian Journal of Rural Health","volume":"34 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13003279/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147488585","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Beyond the Rural Placement: Considerations for Supporting Rural Origin Health Professions Students During Their Entire University Experience","authors":"Rebecca de Haan,&nbsp;Nicola Parkin,&nbsp;Dennis Asante,&nbsp;Robyn Aitken","doi":"10.1111/ajr.70163","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ajr.70163","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>There is good evidence that a well-supported, positive rural clinical university placement experience contributes to rural origin students' intentions to practice rurally. However, not much is known about the support needs of rural origin students at university more generally. This research aims to identify and understand the support needs of rural origin health professions students entering and studying at university, using the lens of situational and experiential factors.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Setting</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The research was conducted at a medium-sized Australian university with multiple metropolitan, regional and remote campuses.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Participants</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Students enrolled in a health profession course who met criteria for rural origin were invited to participate.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Design</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This research used a pragmatic mixed methods approach. Analysis examined the support needs identified by students for situational and experiential factors that influenced their experience of university study.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The research revealed four rural origin health professions student profiles based on their enrolment patterns: <i>Relocated</i> students; <i>Commuting</i> students; <i>Distance</i> students; and <i>Local</i> students. Support needs were predominantly practical, but differed according to each profile type. Considerations for designing student support include adopting a ‘whole-of-course’, futures-oriented, situation-sensitive and reflexive view of the student's university experience, beyond the rural placement.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This research advances Australian Government education policy, which aims to increase participation and attainment rates for rural origin students at university. The findings suggest important first steps for university leaders responsible for designing appropriate supports for rural origin health professions students.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55421,"journal":{"name":"Australian Journal of Rural Health","volume":"34 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12996432/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147476594","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring an Allied Health Student Placement Model in Rural Aged-Care Settings: A UDRH Collaborative Evaluation Using RE-AIM","authors":"Carmela Leone,&nbsp;Robyn McNeil,&nbsp;Pam Harvey,&nbsp;Marita Chisholm,&nbsp;Sean MacDermott","doi":"10.1111/ajr.70168","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ajr.70168","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>To evaluate the expansion of the Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training (RHMT) program into aged care services across rural Victoria. The program was designed to address workforce shortages and enhance allied health service delivery in Residential Aged Care Homes (RACHs).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Setting</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The evaluation was set in aged care services in rural Victoria, Australia, specifically within RACHs partnered with four Victorian University Departments of Rural Health.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Participants</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Participants were allied health students undertaking placements in a service-learning model, aged care providers and university staff involved in program implementation and evaluation.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Design</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Through a collaboration between La Trobe University's John Richards Centre for Rural Ageing Research, the University of Melbourne's Department of Rural Health, Monash Rural Health, and two rural aged care providers, the evaluation employed a case study approach utilising the RE-AIM framework. Data sources included student focus groups and surveys, and stakeholder interviews and focus groups. The RE-AIM framework guided the data analysis.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The program positively influenced student attitudes towards aged care, addressed resident needs through increased access to allied health services, and supported rural workforce development. Students reported meaningful engagement with older adults, which influenced perceptions and fostered interest in aged care careers. Despite challenges such as student financial burden and supervision limitations, the model demonstrated value for students and residents.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The evaluation highlighted how placements provided allied health students with meaningful connections with older people, influenced attitudes and prompted them to consider aged care careers—an outcome that has significant implications for future workforce planning.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55421,"journal":{"name":"Australian Journal of Rural Health","volume":"34 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12990163/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147470362","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Building Rural Health Research Capacity Through Embedded Researchers and Ecosystem Development","authors":"Anna Wong Shee,&nbsp;Kevin Mc Namara,&nbsp;Laura Alston,&nbsp;Marley Binder,&nbsp;Alison Buccheri,&nbsp;Karina Demasson,&nbsp;Michael Field,&nbsp;Bianca Kavanagh,&nbsp;Olivia King,&nbsp;Mary Malakellis,&nbsp;Samantha Russell,&nbsp;Alesha M. Sayner,&nbsp;Kate Schlicht,&nbsp;Drew Aras,&nbsp;Vincent L. Versace","doi":"10.1111/ajr.70164","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ajr.70164","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Aim</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>To explore the role and impact of University Department of Rural Health (UDRH) targeted investment in embedded researchers and research–practice partnerships as mechanisms to increase research capacity in rural health and community services.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Context</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Increasing rural research capacity and culture is crucial for improving rural health outcomes and a key deliverable for UDRHs. Rural health services often lack research capacity due to multiple factors including chronic workforce shortages, limited research infrastructure and resources, fewer academic partnerships and historical underinvestment in rural health research.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Approach</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This commentary describes the development of an ecosystem of embedded researchers and research–practice partnerships in rural western Victoria. Three case studies provide examples of embedded researcher models that are supported by a UDRH, and the role of an Australian academic health science centre focusing on rural health outcomes, as an enabler of impact. These case studies are based on the perspectives of senior academics, leaders and embedded researchers, and their first-hand knowledge of Deakin Rural Health (a UDRH), rural health organisations and the rural research context. These case studies focus on the broader impacts of embedded researchers and their contribution to a research ecosystem.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>UDRH academic leadership and targeted investment in embedded researchers, combined with support from rural health and community services, has created a research ecosystem. There has been synergistic growth in research capacity, output and research culture that exceeds what either UDRH or partner organisations could achieve independently. Despite this success, sustaining this ecosystem is challenging; there is a need to invest in embedded researchers and ensure an enabling environment for rural health services research through changes to policy and organisational culture.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55421,"journal":{"name":"Australian Journal of Rural Health","volume":"34 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12993104/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147470333","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Research Capacity and Culture Development in a Small Rural Health Service","authors":"Dai Pu,&nbsp;Stephen Gill,&nbsp;Michael Field,&nbsp;Alison Buccheri,&nbsp;Olivia A. King,&nbsp;Catherine E. Huggins,&nbsp;Terry Haines,&nbsp;Joanne E. Porter,&nbsp;Vincent L. Versace,&nbsp;Laura Alston","doi":"10.1111/ajr.70165","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ajr.70165","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study aimed to measure changes in staff perceptions of research capacity and culture in a small rural health service in Australia over time.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Staff completed the Research Capacity and Culture Tool, a valid and reliable survey that measures individuals' perceptions of their own research capacity and the research capacity and culture of their team and organisation. Data from 2015 was compared to 2023, following significant changes at the health service that focused on integrating research into the organisational structure.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Design</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This was a repeated cross-sectional study in which data were collected from different individuals.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Setting</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Data were collected from a rural health service in Victoria (Modified Monash Model 4–5).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Participants</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>All staff working in the health service were invited to complete the survey.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Main Outcome Measures</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Research Capacity and Culture Tool.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Results demonstrated improvements in eleven out of eighteen measures of research capacity and culture at the organisation level, six out of nineteen measures at the team level, but none at the individual level. Median improvements were modest, typically two points on the 10-point scale.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Integrating research into the health service organisation structure may be beneficial for its research capacity and culture.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55421,"journal":{"name":"Australian Journal of Rural Health","volume":"34 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12972638/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147391747","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Resident and Family Carer Perspectives on the Impact of Allied Health Student Placements on Service Delivery to Residents in Northern NSW Aged Care Homes: A Qualitative Study","authors":"Rosie Meares,&nbsp;Mohammad Hamiduzzaman,&nbsp;Vanette McLennan,&nbsp;Sarah Miles,&nbsp;Sarah Crook,&nbsp;Lewis Grove,&nbsp;Frances Barraclough,&nbsp;Jennie Hewitt,&nbsp;Gillian Nisbet,&nbsp;Karn Nelson,&nbsp;Marianne Wallis,&nbsp;Victoria Flood","doi":"10.1111/ajr.70160","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ajr.70160","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>To explore the perceptions of rural residential aged care home (RACH) residents and family carers about the integration of allied health students in service delivery, and its impact on residents' health and wellbeing.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Setting</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Two rural RACHs in Northern NSW, where allied health students (Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, Nutrition and Dietetics and Social Work) attended rural clinical placements and were integrated in service delivery for residents.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Participants</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Twelve residents who received student-integrated services from the RACHs and five family carers.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Design</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This was a qualitative evaluation. Residents and family carers were approached to participate in a semi-structured interview. Interviews were recorded, and audio interviews were transcribed verbatim. The transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis to generate themes and sub-themes.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Three themes, each with several sub-themes, emerged from the interview data. The first theme was facilitators of effective care, and sub-themes were: modes of services, team-based approach and continuity of care. Continuity of care between successive groups of students was identified as an aspect of placement that requires improvement. The second theme presented how residents' functional abilities and emotional wellbeing improved after participating in student-led assessments and interventions. The third theme was participants' satisfaction with the students' competency and professionalism in delivering services.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>From the perspectives of residents and family carers, allied health student placements can enhance service provision in rural RACHs in Northern NSW. These placements offer potential to grow the rural allied health workforce and assist in meeting the health service needs of older rural adults within the region.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55421,"journal":{"name":"Australian Journal of Rural Health","volume":"34 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12968508/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147379682","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}