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)

1
May, 2026
Factors influencing transition from paediatric to adult health care for young people with intellectual disability: A systematic scoping review
Factors influencing transition from paediatric to adult health care for young people with intellectual disability: A systematic scoping review
Abstract Summary
Background Young people with intellectual disability often face sub-optimal transitions from paediatric to adult health care. These transitions are often poorly planned and managed, resulting in delayed access to services and adverse outcomes. No synthesis exists on the factors influencing this process. This scoping review examines the nature and extent of evidence on factors affecting the transition to adult health care for young people with intellectual disability. Methods We searched Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and Scopus to identify original research articles published between 2015 and 11 April 2025, using terms ‘intellectual disability’, ‘young people’, and ‘health care transition’. Two reviewers independently [...]
13
Apr, 2026
Indigenous Culture and Health in UDRH Research: An Indigenous-Led Narrative Review
Indigenous Culture and Health in UDRH Research: An Indigenous-Led Narrative Review
Abstract Summary
ABSTRACT Whilst University Departments of Rural Health (UDRHs) have undertaken research relevant to Indigenous health over decades, understanding of the contributions in the context of culture and health has been largely unexplored. Objective Through use of culturally appropriate methodology, this Indigenous-led narrative review aimed to summarise how the research has responded to Indigenous perspectives and priorities to provide insights into how UDRH research has considered Indigenous cultural ways, and summarise benefits associated with UDRH studies. Design This narrative review analysed published UDRH Indigenous health research using systematic analysis and collaborative yarning. Results Thirty-three papers were reviewed. Key themes identified Indigenous [...]
10
Apr, 2026
Assessing the Effect of Rural Placements Through a Pre-Post Approach With Different Temporal Targets: Are We Converting or Sustaining?
Assessing the Effect of Rural Placements Through a Pre-Post Approach With Different Temporal Targets: Are We Converting or Sustaining?
Abstract Summary
ABSTRACT Background Rural placements are a key strategy to attract health students to rural practice. It is important that robust research methods are used to assess the effect of placements on rural career intentions to inform resource allocation and student supports. Objectives This study explored the utility of a novel rural attitude measurement approach to evaluate the direct impact of rural placements on students’ perceptions and intentions. It also examined whether anticipated differences between students from city and rural backgrounds emerged across various future temporal reference points. Finally, the research investigated the characteristics of students who demonstrated desirable rural placement [...]
9
Apr, 2026
A Role for Public Health Training Through the Funding of University Departments of Rural Health
A Role for Public Health Training Through the Funding of University Departments of Rural Health
Abstract Summary
ABSTRACT Aim This commentary articulates the need for strengthened public health training and workforce development in rural and remote Australia, arguing that investment in preventive, community-centred public health is essential to addressing longstanding health inequities. Rural and remote communities experience disproportionately high burdens of chronic disease, injury and premature mortality that are inadequately addressed within a health system that prioritises clinical care over population-level approaches. Context The authors situate this argument within the historical and contemporary context of rural disparities and rural health workforce policy. While University Departments of Rural Health (UDRHs) have long supported interprofessional rural training, the 2016 [...]
4
Apr, 2026
Partnerships in Learning: The Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training Programme in Aged Care Services Pilot Site Evaluation
Partnerships in Learning: The Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training Programme in Aged Care Services Pilot Site Evaluation
Abstract Summary
Objective To explore the perspectives of University Departments of Rural Health (UDRH) clinical educators and partner aged care provider managers involved in the Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training (RHMT) Aged Care pilot programmes, and to identify the barriers, enablers and context-specific strategies that supported the establishment of nursing and allied health student placements in rural and remote aged care settings. Setting Five pilot sites were established through RHMT Aged Care Service Grants in partnership with aged care providers across New South Wales, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland. Participants Twelve participants, including nine UDRH clinical educators (CEs) and three partner [...]
17
Mar, 2026
Beyond the Rural Placement: Considerations for Supporting Rural Origin Health Professions Students During Their Entire University Experience
Beyond the Rural Placement: Considerations for Supporting Rural Origin Health Professions Students During Their Entire University Experience
Abstract Summary
ABSTRACT Objective There is good evidence that a well-supported, positive rural clinical university placement experience contributes to rural origin students’ intentions to practice rurally. However, not much is known about the support needs of rural origin students at university more generally. This research aims to identify and understand the support needs of rural origin health professions students entering and studying at university, using the lens of situational and experiential factors. Setting The research was conducted at a medium-sized Australian university with multiple metropolitan, regional and remote campuses. Participants Students enrolled in a health profession course who met criteria for rural [...]
16
Mar, 2026
Building Rural Health Research Capacity Through Embedded Researchers and Ecosystem Development
Building Rural Health Research Capacity Through Embedded Researchers and Ecosystem Development
Abstract Summary
ABSTRACT Aim To explore the role and impact of University Department of Rural Health (UDRH) targeted investment in embedded researchers and research–practice partnerships as mechanisms to increase research capacity in rural health and community services. Context Increasing rural research capacity and culture is crucial for improving rural health outcomes and a key deliverable for UDRHs. Rural health services often lack research capacity due to multiple factors including chronic workforce shortages, limited research infrastructure and resources, fewer academic partnerships and historical underinvestment in rural health research. Approach This commentary describes the development of an ecosystem of embedded researchers and research–practice partnerships [...]
27
Feb, 2026
Contributions of Australian University Departments of Rural Health to Indigenous Health Intervention Research: A Narrative Review
Contributions of Australian University Departments of Rural Health to Indigenous Health Intervention Research: A Narrative Review
Abstract Summary
Background/Objectives: University Department of Rural Health (UDRH) programs were created to address the disparities in rural Australian communities. A large proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people live in rural communities, and the UDRHs work closely with communities to improve outcomes for Indigenous Australians. This narrative review examines the nature of the intervention papers in Australian Indigenous health published by UDRHs and identifies key learnings to improve interventions in Australian Indigenous health. Methods: Intervention papers were identified from an established database of UDRH Indigenous health-related publications published 2010–2021. Results: Thirty-three papers were included in the review. Thematic analysis identified four overarching themes from the [...]
21
Feb, 2026
A framework for the design, delivery, and evaluation of rural health professions student placements
A framework for the design, delivery, and evaluation of rural health professions student placements
Abstract Summary
High-quality rural health professions student placements are essential for preparing competent, confident, and adaptable health professionals. Despite growing international interest in rural health professions education, existing placement quality frameworks often lack the nuance required to address the complexities of rural and remote settings. This paper presents a comprehensive, evidence-informed framework for the design, delivery, and evaluation of rural health professions student placements. The framework was developed through a multi-study research program underpinned by rural standpoint theory and experiential learning principles. Drawing on data from a scoping review, a national survey and interview study, and a multiple-case Employing COnceptUal schema for [...]
5
Feb, 2026
The Anabranch Framework for the Ruralization of Health Professional Education
The Anabranch Framework for the Ruralization of Health Professional Education
Abstract Summary
Background/Objective: The quality of care afforded to rural, remote, and First Nations Peoples is dependent on access to a health workforce with the capacity to contextualize healthcare and practice to the needs and expectations of these populations. In Australia, the lack of representation of rural health in undergraduate and post graduate health professional education undermines this preparedness and consideration of rural practice uptake and longevity, compounding the inequities confronted by 7 million Australians residing in these locations. Urgent educational reforms are required to address this omission, the deficit discourses used to characterize rural healthcare, and the persistent health workforce shortages experienced. [...]