Recent Research Papers and Reports

Researchers from the University Departments of Rural Health publish in a wide variety of national and international journals.

A selection of the most recent papers is provided below.

Date Published

Publication Title (click to view)

18
Apr, 2024
Psychological interventions designed to reduce relocation stress for older people transitioning into permanent residential aged care: a systematic scoping review
Psychological interventions designed to reduce relocation stress for older people transitioning into permanent residential aged care: a systematic scoping review
Abstract Summary
Abstract Objectives This study aimed to identify and evaluate psychological interventions or strategies designed to reduce relocation stress in older people making the permanent transition into residential aged care. Method A scoping review following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) was conducted. An electronic search of nine databases and the search engine google scholar was completed in December 2022. Article screening and quality appraisal was undertaken independently by at least two reviewers. Results Eight full-text articles were included for review, from which four […]
16
Apr, 2024
Early career nurses’ self-reported influences and drawbacks for undertaking a rural graduate nursing program
Early career nurses’ self-reported influences and drawbacks for undertaking a rural graduate nursing program
Abstract Summary
Keywords nurse, workforce, rural health, employment, work location, social determinants of health Abstract Objective: To identify self-reported influences and drawbacks for early career nurses to work in a rural location. Background: The international shortage of rural nursing workforce is increasing. As a result, evidence that focuses on mechanisms to recruit early career nurses to these areas is important. This research focuses on the influences and drawbacks for early career nurses to undertake a rural graduate nursing program, aimed at providing evidence that can inform the design of rural nurse recruitment programs. Study design and methods: Manifest content analysis of open-ended questions in a […]
15
Apr, 2024
Short waits, happy patients and expert care, moving basic musculoskeletal care from the emergency department to a physiotherapist-led diversion pathway
Short waits, happy patients and expert care, moving basic musculoskeletal care from the emergency department to a physiotherapist-led diversion pathway
Abstract Summary
Abstract Objective Patients with musculoskeletal conditions (MSKCs) are highly prevalent in ED. This project explores the impact of the pilot phase of a ‘diversion pathway’, which directed patients with MSKCs from the ED waiting room to an outpatient clinic led by advanced-scope physiotherapists. Methods A prospective intervention study comparing care outcomes between patients in the ‘diversion pathway’ with usual ED care. The characteristics of patients considered eligible and non-eligible are described. Results Between May and December 2022, 1099 patients were diverted. For diverted patients, mean length of stay (LOS) in ED was reduced by 110 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 99–120) […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]