Objective To determine if the establishment of a multidisciplinary allied health training demonstration site, as one part of the expanded Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training (RHMT) programme in the Lachlan region, had a positive social return on investment (SROI). Methods This SROI only reflects the incremental impact of the expanded RHMT programme delivered by one University Department of Rural Health (UDRH), to one additional training demonstration site in the Lachlan region. Scope does not include the well-established ongoing RHMT programme, nor the complete body of work being delivered by the UDRH. This SROI investment referred to the grant to fund the [...]

SYNOPSIS: Improving Indigenous Peoples’ musculoskeletal health is a salient priority and a challenge for the physical therapy profession. Our goal is that Indigenous Peoples’ musculoskeletal health is no longer underrecognized or inadequately addressed. In this series, we outline why the physical therapy field must (a) deepen its collective knowledge of Indigenous Peoples’ musculoskeletal health; (b) reflect on current initiatives in Indigenous musculoskeletal health across clinical practice, research, education, and allyship/advocacy; (c) explore future directions for each sector to advance the profession; and (d) contribute to positive change for Indigenous Peoples. This article sets the scene for the series, including introducing key [...]

Objective To determine the effect of cultural security training (CST) for health professionals and access to an Aboriginal Brain Injury Coordinator (ABIC) for Aboriginal Australians with stroke or traumatic brain injury (TBI). Design A stepped wedge cluster randomised controlled trial; the intervention package consisted of CST for hospital professionals and 6-month access to ABICs providing education, support, liaison and advocacy; the commencement order of the intervention phase was randomised. Setting Four urban and four rural hospitals in Western Australia, 2018–2022. Participants Aboriginal adults ≥ 18 years hospitalised with stroke or TBI. Main Outcome Measures Primary outcome was quality of life (Euro QOL–5D-3L [...]

Abstract Background:In rural Australia, geographical isolation, limited resources, and complex health care navigation create significant barriers to mental health care access. Mental health care professionals and organizations often work in segregation, exacerbating existing barriers. Digital technology provides an opportunity to improve communication between providers and streamline workflows while supporting a diverse range of consumers. Objective:This co-design study aimed to identify rural community needs and explore digital solutions to enhance mental health service delivery pathways. Methods:Using a design-thinking methodology, we conducted focus groups and workshops with 17 participants (7 consumers and caregivers and 10 health care professionals) from a rural region [...]