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

Reset Map

Recent Research Papers and Reports

Date Published

Publication Title (click to view)

10
Mar, 2023
Using the Perceive, Recall, Plan and Perform Assessment of cognitive strategy use with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples: Initial exploration of clinical utility.
Using the Perceive, Recall, Plan and Perform Assessment of cognitive strategy use with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples: Initial exploration of clinical utility.
Abstract Summary
Introduction Culturally safe and meaningful cognitive assessment methods for use with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are scarce. Concerns are raised regarding the efficacy of existing methods in cross-cultural contexts. The Perceive, Recall, Plan and Perform (PRPP) Assessment offers a person-centred alternative whereby cognitive strategy application is examined during performance of culturally relevant everyday tasks. This paper explores its use with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia. Methods A critical case study design was applied to examine the effectiveness and relevance of the PRPP Assessment with two Aboriginal Australian people in the Northern Territory of Australia. ‘Ivan’ [...]
16
Feb, 2023
Addressing Complex Social Problems Using the Lens of Family Violence: Valuable Learning from the First Year of an Interdisciplinary Community of Practice
Addressing Complex Social Problems Using the Lens of Family Violence: Valuable Learning from the First Year of an Interdisciplinary Community of Practice
Abstract Summary
It is imperative that universities continue to explore innovations that support staff and student learning and pursue their mission to promote social responsibility and community service. Communities of Practice have been used to facilitate innovation and regenerate teaching and learning in tertiary contexts, including interdisciplinary collaborations around complex problems. This study describes the challenges and achievements of the first year of an interdisciplinary Community of Practice which aimed to create innovative approaches to teaching and learning about family and domestic violence, a complex social issue, inherently gendered, which receives little attention across the University discipline areas, despite the centrality of [...]
12
Feb, 2023
In a group, “we’re not just a number”: what we learnt from an accidental hybrid health and well-being group programme for First Nations Australians with diabetes.
In a group, “we’re not just a number”: what we learnt from an accidental hybrid health and well-being group programme for First Nations Australians with diabetes.
Abstract Summary
Abstract First Nations peoples in Australia are disproportionately affected by diabetes. We report on a qualitative evaluation of a healthy lifestyle group programme at an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service. The programme was designed by an Aboriginal Health Worker and took place in a regional community. Yarning interviews of five participants and four facilitators were conducted followed by a collaborative analysis. The group context provided connecting and relationship-building opportunities, allowing participants to feel that they were seen as an individual. The accidental hybrid approach adopted due to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown supported transition of healthy activities into the [...]
16
Dec, 2022
Placement Architectures in Practice: An Exploration of Student Learning during Non-Traditional Work-Integrated Learning in Rural Communities
Placement Architectures in Practice: An Exploration of Student Learning during Non-Traditional Work-Integrated Learning in Rural Communities
Abstract Summary
Abstract Background: Work-integrated learning (WIL) in rural communities provides students with important learning opportunities while also providing a service to those communities. To optimise the potential benefits of work-integrated learning for health students and rural communities it is important to explore the practices and outcomes of these experiences. Methods: This study used a qualitative research design underpinned by the theoretical framework of Theory of Practice Architectures to examine the way students learn during these placements. Purposive sampling was used to identify students for participation in the study. Seven students from the disciplines of paramedicine, physiotherapy, and speech pathology participated in [...]
6
Nov, 2022
Placement Architectures in Practice: An Exploration of Student Learning during Non-Traditional Work-Integrated Learning in Rural Communities.
Placement Architectures in Practice: An Exploration of Student Learning during Non-Traditional Work-Integrated Learning in Rural Communities.
Abstract Summary
Abstract Background: Work-integrated learning (WIL) in rural communities provides students with important learning opportunities while also providing a service to those communities. To optimise the potential benefits of work-integrated learning for health students and rural communities it is important to explore the practices and outcomes of these experiences. Methods: This study used a qualitative research design underpinned by the theoretical framework of Theory of Practice Architectures to examine the way students learn during these placements. Purposive sampling was used to identify students for participation in the study. Seven students from the disciplines of paramedicine, physiotherapy, and speech pathology participated in [...]
26
Sep, 2022
Appraising community driven health research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities: A scoping review using the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander quality appraisal tool.
Appraising community driven health research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities: A scoping review using the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander quality appraisal tool.
Abstract Summary
Summary Most research involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples has been conducted by non-Indigenous people and has not been a positive experience for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This scoping review maps approaches to health research involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities in Australia from the last two decades. A literature search found 198 papers, of which 34 studies met the inclusion criteria. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Quality Appraisal Tool was then used to map the quality of the reported community driven research. The Quality Appraisal Tool privileges, Aboriginal and Torres Strait [...]
9
Jul, 2022
Children and adolescents are not small adults: towards a better understanding of multimorbidity in younger populations
Children and adolescents are not small adults: towards a better understanding of multimorbidity in younger populations
Abstract Summary
Multimorbidity is of an increasing importance for the health of both children and adults but research has hitherto focused on adult multimorbidity. Hence, public awareness, practice, and policy lack vital information about multimorbidity in childhood and adolescence. We convened an international and interdisciplinary group of experts from six nations to identify key priorities supported by published evidence to strengthen research for children and adolescent with multimorbidity. Future research is encouraged (1) to develop a conceptual framework to capture unique aspects of child and adolescent multimorbidity—including definitions, characteristic patterns of conditions for different age groups, its dynamic nature through childhood and [...]
30
Jun, 2022
The transformation of a student-led health clinic in rural Australia from a face-to-face service to a telehealth model: Evaluation of student and client experiences during a COVID 19 driven transition.
The transformation of a student-led health clinic in rural Australia from a face-to-face service to a telehealth model: Evaluation of student and client experiences during a COVID 19 driven transition.
Abstract Summary
Abstract Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated the rapid transition of many face-to-face health services to alternate modes of service delivery. The objective of this study was to explore the benefits, challenges and perceived quality of a telehealth service delivery model from the perspective of clients and students. Further, students’ perceptions relating to the quality of the educational experience were also explored. Methods: The study was set in a student-led interprofessional health and wellness clinic in rural Queensland, Australia. A qualitative case study design was used, including semi-structured student interviews and client open-response survey data. Participants were nursing and allied [...]
28
Apr, 2022
Effect of rural clinical placements on intention to practice and employment in rural Australia: a systematic review.
Effect of rural clinical placements on intention to practice and employment in rural Australia: a systematic review.
Abstract Summary
Abstract Background: Supporting the provision of clinical placement (CP) experiences in rural areas is a strategy used worldwide to promote the rural health workforce. While there is international evidence for this intervention in medicine, there is limited understanding of the influence of rural CP for nursing, midwifery, allied health, and dentistry health professions in Australia, which have received substantial federal investment. This review examined the relationship between rural CP and non-medicine health students’ future rural practice intentions and workforce outcomes. Methods: Four databases were systematically searched; papers were screened using defined criteria and appraised using the mixed-methods appraisal tool (MMAT). [...]
28
Apr, 2022
Effect of Rural Clinical Placements on Intention to Practice and Employment in Rural Australia: A Systematic Review.
Effect of Rural Clinical Placements on Intention to Practice and Employment in Rural Australia: A Systematic Review.
Abstract Summary
Abstract Background: Supporting the provision of clinical placement (CP) experiences in rural areas is a strategy used worldwide to promote the rural health workforce. While there is international evidence for this intervention in medicine, there is limited understanding of the influence of rural CP for nursing, midwifery, allied health, and dentistry health professions in Australia, which have received substantial federal investment. This review examined the relationship between rural CP and non-medicine health students’ future rural practice intentions and workforce outcomes. Methods: Four databases were systematically searched; papers were screened using defined criteria and appraised using the mixed-methods appraisal tool (MMAT). [...]

Australian Rural Health Education Network (ARHEN) Follow

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

Retweet on Twitter Australian Rural Health Education Network (ARHEN) Retweeted

Three Rivers DRH @threeriversdrh ·

26 Nov

Every month, across 65 small farming communities, @Activefarmers runs over 300 community fitness classes to improve physical & mental wellbeing & address suicide rates in farming communities. We are surveying their trainers & will share the results soon! #LiveStudyWorkRural

Reply on Twitter 1861294495415074964 Retweet on Twitter 1861294495415074964 1 Like on Twitter 1861294495415074964 2 Twitter 1861294495415074964

Retweet on Twitter Australian Rural Health Education Network (ARHEN) Retweeted

Southern Queensland Rural Health @sqruralhealth ·

22 Nov

Harper, a UQ Exercise Physiology student, energized the SWHHS Community Advisory Network forum with a spontaneous dance break, showcasing the power of movement for focus and well-being. Proud to see our students inspire and engage!

#SQRH #ExercisePhysiology #CommunityEngagement

Reply on Twitter 1859869888996688338 Retweet on Twitter 1859869888996688338 1 Like on Twitter 1859869888996688338 4 Twitter 1859869888996688338

Retweet on Twitter Australian Rural Health Education Network (ARHEN) Retweeted

Monash Rural Health @monashrural ·

20 Nov

We will be evaluating a Sustainable Rural Healthcare Hubs trial program in north Victoria to explore innovative services and strategies to encourage doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals to live and work in rural areas long-term.
📖 Read more: https://www.monash.edu/medicine/news/latest/2024-articles/sustainable-rural-healthcare-hubs-action-research-to-support-integrated-healthcare-solutions-in-northern-victoria

Reply on Twitter 1859364027203567922 Retweet on Twitter 1859364027203567922 1 Like on Twitter 1859364027203567922 6 Twitter 1859364027203567922

Australian Rural Health Education Network (ARHEN)

Find a University Department of Rural Health

Get Directions

Recent Research Papers and Reports