Australian Rural Health Education Network (ARHEN)

ARHEN is the national association for the 19 University Departments of Rural Health (UDRH) across rural and remote Australia.

Our purpose is to promote the health and wellbeing of people in rural and remote Australia by delivering high-quality health education, research and advocacy.

Our member organisations, the UDRHs, are academic centres based in rural and remote Australia.

Each year, the UDRHs support more than 15,000 nursing, midwifery and allied health students to experience the rewards of living, studying and working as a health professional in rural and remote regions.

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ARHEN members – the University Departments of Rural Health

UniSA Department of Rural Health

Flinders University Rural and Remote Health SA

University of Tasmania, Centre for Rural Health

University of Melbourne Department of Rural Health

Flinders University Rural and Remote Health NT

University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health

Western Australia Centre for Rural Health (WACRH)

Monash University, Monash Rural Health

La Trobe University Rural Health School

Deakin Rural Health, Deakin University

Three-Rivers-Department-of-Rural-Health-365

Charles Sturt University Three Rivers Department of Rural Health

Majarlin Kimberley Centre for Remote Health

University-Centre-for-Rural-Health,-North-Coast-NSW

University Centre for Rural Health Northern Rivers

JCU Murtupuni Centre for Rural and Remote Health

Edith Cowan University, Department of Rural Health South West

Southern Queensland Rural Health (SQRH)

Broken Hill University Department of Rural Health

JCU Central QLD Centre for Rural and Remote Health

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Recent Research Papers and Reports

Date Published

Publication Title (click to view)

18
Mar, 2025
Empathy Increased in Rural and Remote Health and Social Care Workers by Participation in the Hearing Voices That Are Distressing Simulation Workshop
Empathy Increased in Rural and Remote Health and Social Care Workers by Participation in the Hearing Voices That Are Distressing Simulation Workshop
Abstract Summary
Evidence suggests that health care workers are often uncomfortable talking with people about hearing voices, despite recommendations that voice-hearers be provided with opportunities to freely discuss their experiences. Moreover, in rural and remote Australia, workforce shortages mean that a broader range of workers, often non-specialists, are providing services for people with complex mental health presentations. Improving the skills of this non-specialist workforce is therefore an important endeavour. The Hearing Voices that are Distressing (HVD) simulation workshop was originally developed by voice-hearers and provides participants with first-hand experience of what it might be like to hear voices that are distressing. HVD [...]
13
Mar, 2025
Quantitatively Applying a Person-Centered Approach in Rural Health Workforce Research: An Exploratory Latent Class Analysis of Early Career Rural Nurses
Quantitatively Applying a Person-Centered Approach in Rural Health Workforce Research: An Exploratory Latent Class Analysis of Early Career Rural Nurses
Abstract Summary
ABSTRACT Aim To explore the utility of a quantitative person-centred approach to identify subgroups of commencing first-year rural nurses and examine their work attitudes and intentions. Design Exploratory cross-sectional survey. Methods A survey of commencing first-year nurses was conducted in two Australian rural health districts in 2019 and 2020, with a 91% response rate. A two-step latent class analysis of 159 responses was undertaken with two indicators of perceived professional opportunity and three indicators of local connection and rural training. Three outcomes assessing work intention and attitudes were compared across subtypes. Results Four subgroups (‘classes’) were identified. There were significant [...]
14
Feb, 2025
Engaging Health and Aged Care Workers in Rural and Remote Australia Around Factors Impacting Their Access to and Participation in Dementia Training
Engaging Health and Aged Care Workers in Rural and Remote Australia Around Factors Impacting Their Access to and Participation in Dementia Training
Abstract Summary
Abstract Objective: To better understand barriers and enablers to uptake of dementia training in rural and remote areas using input from rural and remote aged and health care workers into how dementia training could be offered to better meet their needs. Methods: Roundtable focus groups were conducted in six diverse rural and remote locations in four jurisdictions around Australia. Sixty-seven workers from predominantly nursing, allied health, and support worker roles involved in dementia care participated. Data were collected by site and used a mixture of face-to-face and virtual facilitated ’roundtable’ discussions. Each group discussed barriers and enablers to participation in training and [...]
7
Feb, 2025
Establishment of a Research Unit in Colac, a Medium Rural Town: An Update on Progress and Guidance for Rural Health Service Research Strategy Development
Establishment of a Research Unit in Colac, a Medium Rural Town: An Update on Progress and Guidance for Rural Health Service Research Strategy Development
Abstract Summary
ABSTRACT Background Rural health services have not had the same opporunities for research as metropolitan health services. Despite increasing awareness of the importance of placed-based research led by rural health services, there are few examples in the literature on how this can be done. Aims In this AJRH Practice Insight we aim to provide an update on the establishment and progress of the Colac Area Health (CAH) research unit. This is a health service led research unit that services rural areas classified as MM4-5 by the Modified Monash Model. Methods Practice insight. Discussion This experience may assist other small or [...]
1
Feb, 2025
Integrating evidence from lived experience of Aboriginal people and clinical practice guidelines to develop arthritis educational resources: a mixed-methods study
Integrating evidence from lived experience of Aboriginal people and clinical practice guidelines to develop arthritis educational resources: a mixed-methods study
Abstract Summary
Summary Background Globally, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout (arthritis conditions) result in considerable pain and suffering and disproportionately affect First Nations Peoples, who are more likely than non-First Nations Peoples to have an arthritis condition and to experience a higher burden of disease. Access to culturally appropriate health information supports the health and wellbeing of First Nations Peoples. The aim of this study was to identify evidence-based, culturally appropriate recommendations to inform the development of arthritis educational resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples (First Nations Peoples in Australia). Methods This mixed-methods study using community-based participatory action research had [...]
30
Jan, 2025
Rural Eye Care Access, Workforce Challenges and Opportunities: Perspectives of the Eye Health Workforce in Western Australia
Rural Eye Care Access, Workforce Challenges and Opportunities: Perspectives of the Eye Health Workforce in Western Australia
Abstract Summary
ABSTRACT Objective Rural residents face numerous barriers to accessing eye care services that contribute to disparities in eye health outcomes. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of the rural workforce on opportunities to improve patient access to eye care services, as well as understand the ways the workforce can be supported. Setting Regional, rural and remote Western Australia. Design A qualitative descriptive approach was taken. Maximum variation and snowball sampling were used, and semi-structured interviews were conducted until data saturation. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Participants Seventeen semi-structured interviews were conducted with six [...]
15
Jan, 2025
Impact of Heat and Mitigation Strategies on Healthcare Professionals: A Scoping Review
Impact of Heat and Mitigation Strategies on Healthcare Professionals: A Scoping Review
Abstract Summary
Abstract Background: Rising global temperatures and increased use of personal protective equipment has led to increased risk of heat stress amongst healthcare professionals. This review synthesizes recent research on the impact of heat and heat mitigation strategies on healthcare professionals across disciplines and settings. Method: Databases were systematically searched using keywords and data from included studies were extracted for content analysis. Results: Among 15 eligible studies, 13 investigated the impact of heat stress on healthcare professionals. Six investigated mitigation strategies. Most studies utilized survey methodology and were related to the use of personal protective equipment during the recent pandemic. Large [...]
1
Jan, 2025
Using Virtual Care to Assess the Health Needs of People With Intellectual Disabilities: A Scoping Review
Using Virtual Care to Assess the Health Needs of People With Intellectual Disabilities: A Scoping Review
Abstract Summary
Abstract Background: The COVID-19 pandemic precipitated a rapid roll-out of virtual health care services to people with intellectual disabilities. Limited evidence is available for clinicians to guide virtual care delivery. Method: Twenty-three studies were identified through systematic searching of 16 databases. Extracted data were mapped to the NSW Virtual Health Strategy. Results: Evidence exists to support the use of virtual care for screening, diagnosis, assessment, and review of people with intellectual disabilities, with benefits for clients, carers, and clinicians. Evidence mapped well to the priority areas of the NSW Virtual Health Strategy, highlighting the need for clinician training and specific supports and adaptations [...]
29
Dec, 2024
Student and supervisor experiences of health student service learning placements in rural communities
Student and supervisor experiences of health student service learning placements in rural communities
Abstract Summary
Rural health work-integrated learning exposes students to the unique features of rural professional practice and provides opportunities to improve students’ work-readiness. Service learning placements delivered in rural settings seek to address the dual goals of student learning and meeting community identified needs. This research aimed to evaluate the experiences of students and supervisors who were involved in service learning placements in various rural and regional communities across a range of educational and health settings. Thirty-eight participants completed an online survey, reporting high levels of satisfaction with this placement format. Students experienced a strong sense of belonging within the host organisation, [...]
18
Dec, 2024
Will they come back? Evaluation of health student placements in remote and very remote regions of Australia
Will they come back? Evaluation of health student placements in remote and very remote regions of Australia
Abstract Summary
Background Despite the benefits of rural placements in attracting healthcare professionals to rural areas, there remains a gap in understanding the specific impact of placements in remote and very remote areas of Australia, particularly within the unique context of the Kimberley region. There is a need to elucidate differences across geographical areas and contribute to the knowledge about the specifics of where and how student placement programs work. This research explored the impact of a remote placement program at Majarlin Kimberley Centre for Remote Health (‘Majarlin’) on educational outcomes and workforce intentions of participating students. Methods This research evaluated student [...]

Australian Rural Health Education Network (ARHEN)

ARHEN members – the University Departments of Rural Health

Find a University Department of Rural Health

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Recent Research Papers and Reports