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)

24
Aug, 2024
The development of a quality assurance process for a rural work-integrated learning program
The development of a quality assurance process for a rural work-integrated learning program
Abstract Summary
The notion of what constitutes a high-quality work-integrated learning experience has received increasing attention in the literature, particularly over the past decade. To date, the definitions of high-quality workintegrated learning have been broad and there remains a need to understand how elements of quality can be operationalized, particularly in niche settings. This paper describes an approach to developing a high-quality work-integrated learning program drawn from the experiences of a team of tertiary academics in the field of rural health. The design approach and quality assurance methods of a rural work-integrated learning program are discussed, including some of the preliminary outcomes. [...]
23
Aug, 2024
Exploring the Sociodemographic and Health-Related Determinants of Telehealth Use Among a Cohort of Older Australians During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Repeated Cross-Sectional Study
Exploring the Sociodemographic and Health-Related Determinants of Telehealth Use Among a Cohort of Older Australians During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Repeated Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract Summary
Background:During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a rapid adoption of telehealth care services as a public health strategy to maintain access to essential health care. In Australia, there has been increasing optimism for the expansion of telehealth services. However, little is known about the patterns and determinants of telehealth adoption among older adults, with concerns that an expansion of telehealth services may only be of benefit to those who already have better access to health care. Objective:Leveraging data collected by The Sax Institute’s 45 and Up COVID Insights study between November 2020 and April 2022, the objective of this study [...]
21
Aug, 2024
Enablers and Barriers of Research Engagement Among Clinician Researchers: Nursing, Allied Health and Medical Professionals
Enablers and Barriers of Research Engagement Among Clinician Researchers: Nursing, Allied Health and Medical Professionals
Abstract Summary
Background: In response to the increasing involvement of nursing, allied health and medical professionals in research within clinical service roles, understanding the varying research capacities across public health institutions and professions is crucial. This study aims to explore the lived experiences of conducting research among nursing, allied health and medical health professionals within a tertiary public hospital setting in New South Wales (NSW). The focus is on identifying barriers and enablers to research engagement. Methods: Research active health professionals across nursing, allied health and medical professions were invited to participate in a semi-structured interview to discuss enablers and barriers experienced [...]
20
Aug, 2024
Process evaluation of a randomised controlled trial intervention designed to improve rehabilitation services for Aboriginal Australians after brain injury: the Healing Right Way Trial
Process evaluation of a randomised controlled trial intervention designed to improve rehabilitation services for Aboriginal Australians after brain injury: the Healing Right Way Trial
Abstract Summary
Background: Healing Right Way (HRW) aimed to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal Australians with stroke or traumatic brain injury by facilitating system-level access to culturally secure rehabilitation services. Using a stepped-wedge randomised controlled trial (RCT) design (ACTRN12618000139279, 30/01/2018), a two-pronged intervention was introduced in four rural and four urban hospitals, comprising 1.Cultural security training (CST) for staff and 2.Training/employment of Aboriginal Brain Injury Coordinators (ABIC) to support Aboriginal patients for 6-months post-injury. Three-quarters of recruited patients lived rurally. The main outcome measure was quality-of-life, with secondary outcomes including functional measures, minimum processes of care (MPC); number rehabilitation occasions of service [...]
18
Aug, 2024
An overview of outputs of Aboriginal- and Torres Strait Islander-related publications from University Departments of Rural Health in Australia; 2010–2021
An overview of outputs of Aboriginal- and Torres Strait Islander-related publications from University Departments of Rural Health in Australia; 2010–2021
Abstract Summary
Introduction Disparities in the health of Indigenous people and in the health of rural populations are well described. University Departments of Rural Health (UDRHs) in Australia are federally funded under a program to address ongoing challenges with health workforce distribution for rural and remote areas. They have a significant role in research in regional, rural and remote areas, including research related to Indigenous health. However, a comprehensive analysis of their contributions to original Indigenous health related to Indigenous health is lacking. Objective This study examines the contributions of UDRHs to Indigenous issues through analysis of publications of UDRHs focused on [...]
13
Aug, 2024
Identifying health and healthcare priorities in rural areas: A concept mapping study informed by consumers, health professionals and researchers
Identifying health and healthcare priorities in rural areas: A concept mapping study informed by consumers, health professionals and researchers
Abstract Summary
Abstract Background It is vital that health service delivery and health interventions address patients’ needs or preferences, are relevant for practice and can be implemented. Involving those who will use or deliver healthcare in priority-setting can lead to health service delivery and research that is more meaningful and impactful. This is particularly crucial in rural communities, where limited resources and disparities in healthcare and health outcomes are often more pronounced. The aim of this study was to determine the health and healthcare priorities in rural communities using a region-wide community engagement approach. Methods This multi-methods study was conducted in five [...]
8
Aug, 2024
Informing the management of the post-COVID condition: insights from the Western Australian experience comparing those who tested positive and negative to early COVID-19 strains.
Informing the management of the post-COVID condition: insights from the Western Australian experience comparing those who tested positive and negative to early COVID-19 strains.
Abstract Summary
Abstract Objective This study aimed to compare the relative physical recovery and symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection between groups confirmed positive or negative to early strains of COVID-19. Methods A prospective, longitudinal cohort study compared outcomes of metropolitan adults polymerase chain reaction-tested for COVID-19 between March and November 2020 in Western Australia. Control matching was attempted: inpatients (gender, age) and ambulatory clinic (gender, age, asthma, chronic pulmonary disease). One-year follow-up involved three repeated measures: physical function (grip strength and 1-min sit-to-stand) and patient-reported outcomes (Fatigue Severity Scale, modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea scale and Euroqol-5D-5L). Results Three hundred and forty-four participants [...]
7
Aug, 2024
Factors critical for the successful delivery of telehealth to rural populations: a descriptive qualitative study
Factors critical for the successful delivery of telehealth to rural populations: a descriptive qualitative study
Abstract Summary
Background The use of telehealth has proliferated to the point of being a common and accepted method of healthcare service delivery. Due to the rapidity of telehealth implementation, the evidence underpinning this approach to healthcare delivery is lagging, particularly when considering the uniqueness of some service users, such as those in rural areas. This research aimed to address the current gap in knowledge related to the factors critical for the successful delivery of telehealth to rural populations. Methods This research used a qualitative descriptive design to explore telehealth service provision in rural areas from the perspective of clinicians and describe [...]
7
Aug, 2024
Does an expanded allied health student training programme in regional New South Wales (Australia) result in a positive social return on investment? A protocol for a single-university education-based economic evaluation
Does an expanded allied health student training programme in regional New South Wales (Australia) result in a positive social return on investment? A protocol for a single-university education-based economic evaluation
Abstract Summary
Abstract Introduction 20 years ago, health professional student placements in rural areas of Australia were identified as an important rural recruitment strategy and funding priority. Since then, there has been a growing body of research investigating the value, impact, barriers and facilitators of student placements in rural areas of Australia. Charles Sturt University, Three Rivers Department of Rural Health, was recently awarded an Australian Government grant to expand their Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training (RHMT) programme, designed to increase multi-disciplinary student placements in rural areas of New South Wales (NSW), Australia. The aim of this study is to determine if the expanded [...]
3
Aug, 2024
Reflecting on the quality of a methodologically pluralist evaluation of a large-scale Indigenous health research collaboration in Australia
Reflecting on the quality of a methodologically pluralist evaluation of a large-scale Indigenous health research collaboration in Australia
Abstract Summary
Abstract Background Indigenous communities worldwide lead calls for all evaluations of research, programmes and policies affecting their communities to reflect the values, priorities and perspectives of the Indigenous peoples and communities involved. Tools, such as the Quality Appraisal Tool (QAT), are available to assess research quality through an Indigenous cultural lens. Good evaluation requires that evaluation efforts be evaluated. We found that critical reflection on the quality of evaluations from an Indigenous perspective is largely absent from the published literature. To ensure that we strive for quality in evaluation as determined by Indigenous people with whom we work, we examined [...]