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)

30
Jan, 2026
A Social Return on Investment Evaluation of the Expansion of an Allied Health Student Training Programme in Rural Australia
A Social Return on Investment Evaluation of the Expansion of an Allied Health Student Training Programme in Rural Australia
Abstract Summary
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 [...]
18
Dec, 2025
Development of a Rural and Remote Dementia Training Framework
Development of a Rural and Remote Dementia Training Framework
Abstract Summary
Objective Develop a framework to guide the design and delivery of dementia training for the rural and remote health and aged care workforce. Methods Phase 1 was a scoping review of barriers and enablers to dementia training in rural and remote settings. Phase 2 comprised semi-structured focus groups and a national health and aged care workforce survey. Findings from these phases were integrated to develop the framework. Design A two-phase mixed-method study and integration of the results to develop the framework. Setting Rural and remote areas across Australia. Participants There were six hundred and twenty-five rural and remote participants. Main [...]
8
Dec, 2025
Valuing Place in Rural Health Education and Research: TheContribution of University Departments of Rural Health
Valuing Place in Rural Health Education and Research: TheContribution of University Departments of Rural Health
Abstract Summary
ABSTRACT Aims: This commentary argues that University Departments of Rural Health (UDRHs) are integral to shaping distinct, contextually grounded values for rural communities and healthcare systems through their place-based education and research programs.Context: For over two decades, the Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training (RHMT) Program has addressed rural healthcare inequities through a place-based approach to health education and research. UDRHs, funded under the RHMT Program, deliveracademic activities for nursing, midwifery and allied health students and clinicians, including placements, promoting ruralhealth careers and conducting research relevant to their regions.Approach: This commentary draws on recent evidence of the value of place-based training and [...]
12
Nov, 2025
Moving Forward Together: Transforming Physical Therapy to Improve Indigenous Peoples’ Musculoskeletal Health
Moving Forward Together: Transforming Physical Therapy to Improve Indigenous Peoples’ Musculoskeletal Health
Abstract Summary
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 [...]
1
Nov, 2025
Impact of weather-related disasters on medical student rural placements: Implications for clinicians and medical schools
Impact of weather-related disasters on medical student rural placements: Implications for clinicians and medical schools
Abstract Summary
Abstract Objectives To investigate the experiences of medical students during and after a flooding disaster, focusing on the impacts on their rural placements and the support they need from their medical schools. Study design Qualitive interview study. Methods We conducted a qualitative study of 43 third-year medical students on full-year rural clinical placements in regional Australia through the University Centre for Rural Health, who experienced two major flooding events in 2022. Focus groups and a survey were conducted two-to-six weeks after the flood. Data were deductively analysed using the five categories of fundamental needs described in Maslow’s hierarchical model of [...]
23
Oct, 2025
Healing Right Way: A Stepped Wedge Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial Aiming to Enhance Quality of Life for Aboriginal Australian Survivors of Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury
Healing Right Way: A Stepped Wedge Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial Aiming to Enhance Quality of Life for Aboriginal Australian Survivors of Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury
Abstract Summary
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 [...]
24
Sep, 2025
Process Evaluation of a Dementia Prevention Program for Aboriginal Australians (DAMPAA) Using a Theory of Change Framework
Process Evaluation of a Dementia Prevention Program for Aboriginal Australians (DAMPAA) Using a Theory of Change Framework
Abstract Summary
Abstract A co-designed, Aboriginal health practitioner–led dementia risk management program (DAMPAA) was implemented from 2021 to 2024 to address the growing concern of dementia among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Western Australia. Key features of DAMPAA included group walking and yarning sessions incorporating health and well-being education twice a week, alongside a six-month home program. A theory of change framework guided a parallel process evaluation, co-developed with Aboriginal Community–Controlled Health Services and an Elders Governance Group. The evaluation involved two distinct groups: Elders who participated in the program and staff involved in its design and delivery. Qualitative data [...]
18
Sep, 2025
Improving Mental Health Referral Systems in Rural Australia: Co-Design Study With Health Professionals and Consumers
Improving Mental Health Referral Systems in Rural Australia: Co-Design Study With Health Professionals and Consumers
Abstract Summary
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 [...]
8
Sep, 2025
Towards a National Longitudinal Tracking Framework of Health Graduate Practice Locations
Towards a National Longitudinal Tracking Framework of Health Graduate Practice Locations
Abstract Summary
Aims Workforce maldistribution is a challenge to the equitable provision of healthcare in Australia. This Commentary details how a multi-university, large-scale, and growing data asset is positioned to contribute strategically and operationally to addressing national workforce priorities. Context The Nursing and Allied Health Graduate Outcome Tracking (NAHGOT) study is a prospective longitudinal research project with a commitment to nationwide geographical coverage. NAHGOT links practice location data (the outcome) from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) with university administrative records, such as admission and placement data (explanatory variables). NAHGOT also links external surveys and publicly available spatial data describing socio-economic conditions and [...]
18
Aug, 2025
Impacts of University Departments of Rural Health to Their Regions Through Intellectual Capital
Impacts of University Departments of Rural Health to Their Regions Through Intellectual Capital
Abstract Summary
Objective This paper aims to identify ways in which University Departments of Rural Health (UDRHs) contribute intellectual capital to their rural and remote regions. Background UDRHs contribute to their regions through various means, including student placements, workforce development, First Nations support and training, community engagement, economic impacts and research. UDRHs also contribute to various forms of community capital, although there remains a lack of detailed understanding of how UDRHs contribute to the intellectual capital of their regions. Methods Senior staff from six UDRHs worked from a constructivist research paradigm as ‘insider’ researchers to identify four key avenues through which UDRHs [...]