Australian Rural Health Education Network (ARHEN)

ARHEN is the national association for the 19 University Departments of Rural Health 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 University Departments of Rural Health (UDRH), 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 opportunities and rewards of studying, living and working as a health professional in rural and remote regions.

Learn More

Find a University Department of Rural Health

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Flinders University Rural and Remote Health SA

Flinders University Rural and Remote Health NT

University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health

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University Centre for Rural Health Northern Rivers

University of Tasmania, Centre for Rural Health

Deakin Rural Health, Deakin University

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Charles Sturt University Three Rivers Department of Rural Health

Recent Research Papers and Reports

Date Published

Publication Title (click to view)

4
Apr, 2024
This is why we are staying: Job satisfaction among Physiotherapists in the Kimberley region of Western Australia
This is why we are staying: Job satisfaction among Physiotherapists in the Kimberley region of Western Australia
Abstract Summary
Introduction The Kimberley region of Western Australia (WA) is classified by the Modified Monash Model as MM6 & 7 (‘Remote/Very Remote’). Many physiotherapists in the Kimberley are considered ‘rural generalists’ and require a diverse set of clinical and non-clinical skills to work successfully within this setting. Objective To understand physiotherapists’ perspectives regarding job satisfaction within the Kimberley region a ‘rural and remote’ areas of Australia. Design An exploratory case study approach examined physiotherapists’ job satisfaction in the Kimberley. Each participant completed a demographic survey and a one-on-one face-to-face interview lasting for approximately 60 minutes. Transcriptions were analysed and presented thematically. […]
12
Mar, 2024
Incidence of Stroke in Indigenous Populations of Countries with a Very High Human Development Index—A Systematic Review.
Incidence of Stroke in Indigenous Populations of Countries with a Very High Human Development Index—A Systematic Review.
Abstract Summary
Background and Objectives Cardiovascular disease contributes significantly to disease burden among many Indigenous populations. However, data on stroke incidence in Indigenous populations are sparse. We aimed to investigate what is known of stroke incidence in Indigenous populations of countries with a very high Human Development Index (HDI), locating the research in the broader context of Indigenous health. Methods We identified population-based stroke incidence studies published between 1990 and 2022 among Indigenous adult populations of developed countries using PubMed, Embase, and Global Health databases, without language restriction. We excluded non–peer-reviewed sources, studies with fewer than 10 Indigenous people, or not covering […]
8
Mar, 2024
Positive change in intent to practice rurally is strongly associated with nursing and allied health students of metropolitan origin after rural clinical placement
Positive change in intent to practice rurally is strongly associated with nursing and allied health students of metropolitan origin after rural clinical placement
Abstract Summary
Abstract Objective To: (1) assess whether rural clinical placements influence change in intention to practice rurally for nursing and allied health students, (2) to assess whether residential origin (metropolitan or rural) or university location (metropolitan or non-metropolitan) influence this change, and (3) assess residential origin of health professionals practicing rurally after graduation. Design Cross-sectional survey (2014-2022) conducted in Northern/Northeastern Victoria and Grampians region by nursing and allied health students completing rural clinical placements. Survey explored student placement satisfaction, intention to practice rurally and demographic information, with a follow-up two years’ post-placement. Findings Experience of a rural placement increased students’ intention […]
6
Mar, 2024
The Influence of Connection on Early Career Nurses’ Rural Experiences: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study
The Influence of Connection on Early Career Nurses’ Rural Experiences: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study
Abstract Summary
Introduction. Rural nursing careers offer a multitude of benefits for individuals. Despite this, there continues to be a growing deficit in the number of nurses choosing to practice in rural areas. As the first 12–18 months of a nursing career are fundamental in shaping career location decisions, it is important to explore factors that influence early career nurses’ employment decisions. Methods. A phenomenological study was undertaken to explore early career nurses’ experiences during their first year of rural practice and describe how the nurses’ experiences influenced their decision to remain in rural employment. Data were collected via semistructured interviews and underwent inductive […]
5
Mar, 2024
University staff perspectives on determinants of high-quality health professions student placements in regional, rural and remote Australia: protocol for a mixed-method study.
University staff perspectives on determinants of high-quality health professions student placements in regional, rural and remote Australia: protocol for a mixed-method study.
Abstract Summary
Introduction In rural areas, work-integrated learning in the form of health student placements has several potential benefits, including contributing to student learning, enhancing rural health service capacity and attracting future rural health workforce. Understanding what constitutes a high-quality rural placement experience is important for enhancing these outcomes. There is no current standardised definition of quality in the context of rural health placements, nor is there understanding of how this can be achieved across different rural contexts. This study is guided by one broad research question: what do university staff believe are the determina
1
Mar, 2024
Australian rural service learning student placements: A national survey
Australian rural service learning student placements: A national survey
Abstract Summary
Abstract This preliminary national study is the first of its kind to investigate how service learning placements are implemented in real world settings in rural Australia and what factors enable or hinder their implementation. An anonymous survey was distributed to 17 University Departments of Rural Health (UDRH) in Australia. Numerical data were analysed descriptively. Textual data were analysed using a hybrid content analysis approach. Thirty seven respondents provided data representing 12 UDRHs. Responding UDRHs reported facilitating service learning programs, with experience in this context ranging from 3 months to 21 years. Service learning placements predominantly occurred in schools and aged […]
26
Feb, 2024
Barriers and enablers of dementia training in healthcare workers in rural and remote Australia: A scoping review to inform future approaches to training
Barriers and enablers of dementia training in healthcare workers in rural and remote Australia: A scoping review to inform future approaches to training
Abstract Summary
Introduction Dementia is now responsible for the greatest burden of disease of any chronic illness in older Australians. Rural and remote communities bear the impacts of this disproportionately. Additional training and education for healthcare staff to support people living with dementia is needed. Objective The objective of this scoping review was to map and synthesise the evidence related to barriers and enablers of accessing dementia training for Australian healthcare workers located in rural and remote areas. Design This scoping review systematically searched multiple databases in January 2023 for peer-reviewed literature on the topic. Reviewers used Covidence to screen titles and […]
24
Feb, 2024
Barriers and enablers of dementia training in healthcare workers in rural and remote Australia: A scoping review to inform future approaches to training.
Barriers and enablers of dementia training in healthcare workers in rural and remote Australia: A scoping review to inform future approaches to training.
Abstract Summary
Introduction: Dementia is now responsible for the greatest burden of disease of any chronic illness in older Australians. Rural and remote communities bear the impacts of this disproportionately. Additional training and education for healthcare staff to support people living with dementia is needed. Objective: The objective of this scoping review was to map and synthesise the evidence related to barriers and enablers of accessing dementia training for Australian healthcare workers located in rural and remote areas. Design: This scoping review systematically searched multiple databases in January 2023 for peer-reviewed literature on the topic. Reviewers used Covidence to screen titles and abstracts of located […]
20
Feb, 2024
Study supports for rural mature-aged university health students: a Stakian multicase study
Study supports for rural mature-aged university health students: a Stakian multicase study
Abstract Summary
Abstract Background The participation and success of university health students in rural areas is critical in addressing the maldistribution of the rural health workforces internationally. Particular attention to the experiences of mature-aged health students is needed to build a sustainable rural health workforce, given the higher proportions of mature-aged university students in rural, regional and remote areas compared with metropolitan areas and rural mature-aged students wanting to stay in their communities. However, little is known about the kinds of supports rural mature-aged students require to succeed with their studies. Methods Drawing on rural standpoint theory and using structural inequality as […]
14
Feb, 2024
Incidence of Stroke in Indigenous Populations of Countries With a Very High Human Development Index: A Systematic Review
Incidence of Stroke in Indigenous Populations of Countries With a Very High Human Development Index: A Systematic Review
Abstract Summary
Background and objectives: Cardiovascular disease contributes significantly to disease burden among many Indigenous populations. However, data on stroke incidence in Indigenous populations are sparse. We aimed to investigate what is known of stroke incidence in Indigenous populations of countries with a very high Human Development Index (HDI), locating the research in the broader context of Indigenous health. Methods: We identified population-based stroke incidence studies published between 1990 and 2022 among Indigenous adult populations of developed countries using PubMed, Embase, and Global Health databases, without language restriction. We excluded non-peer-reviewed sources, studies with fewer than 10 Indigenous people, or not covering a 35- […]

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The Australian Rural Health Education Network (ARHEN) is the national association for the 19 University Departments of Rural Health across Australia.

Australian Rural Health Education Network (ARHEN) @arhen_1 ·

4 Jul

Congratulations to Dr Kristy Robson, Chair of the ARHEN Research Staff Network, on this appointment.

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Southern Queensland Rural Health @sqruralhealth ·

28 Jun

Year 8 students from Chinchilla State High and Illoura Village residents joined an Intergenerational Program led by UQ OT students Ella and Rachel. The program fosters communication, social connections, and shifts generational attitudes. Excited for more activities!

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Australian Rural Health Education Network (ARHEN) @arhen_1 ·

19 Jun

ARHEN congratulates Prof. Jenny May AM from the University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health on her appointment as Australia's next Rural Health Commissioner. ARHEN also thanks Prof. Ruth Stewart for her work as the RHC in recent years.

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Australian Rural Health Education Network (ARHEN)

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Recent Research Papers and Reports