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)

5
Feb, 2024
Overcoming the challenges posed by disasters through learning, reflection and adaption
Overcoming the challenges posed by disasters through learning, reflection and adaption
Abstract Summary
Communities worldwide are experiencing the grim reality of increasing numbers of pandemics, wildfires, heatwaves, droughts, storms and floods, often with multiple events occurring simultaneously. These disasters place a significant burden on health systems, which need to manage the inevitable increase in demand for their services while providing ongoing education to trainees and students. In this commentary, we explore learning through the challenges posed by disasters, including the influence on medical students’ sense of duty to care and the intertwined concept of volunteering, and the importance of adaptability. To do so, we will draw on two articles from this issue of Medical [...]
27
Jan, 2024
“A Huge Gap”: Health Care Provider Perspectives on Cancer Screening for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in the Northern Territory
“A Huge Gap”: Health Care Provider Perspectives on Cancer Screening for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in the Northern Territory
Abstract Summary
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Northern Territory (NT). Accessible and culturally appropriate cancer screening programs are a vital component in reducing the burden of cancer. Primary health care plays a pivotal role in facilitating the uptake of cancer screening in the NT, due to the significant challenges caused by large distances, limited resources, and cultural differences. This paper analyses health care provider perspectives and approaches to the provision of cancer screening to Aboriginal people in the NT that were collected as part of a larger study. Semi-structured [...]
8
Jan, 2024
A systematic search and narrative review of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and men pelvic health care: demonstrated need for improvement
A systematic search and narrative review of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and men pelvic health care: demonstrated need for improvement
Abstract Summary
Background Pelvic health conditions among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and men are under-recognised and under-reported despite indication of the significant burden of these conditions. Access to effective management provided in a culturally safe manner appears lacking. The study aims were to: (1) summarise the burden of pelvic health conditions among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; (2) explore barriers and enablers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples accessing pelvic healthcare services; and (3) provide considerations on how to implement culturally safe pelvic healthcare services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Methods This study involved a systematic [...]
19
Dec, 2023
Exclusions within Healthcare in a Regional Australian Setting: Voices of the Hardly Reached
Exclusions within Healthcare in a Regional Australian Setting: Voices of the Hardly Reached
Abstract Summary
Abstract Health initiatives to improve inclusion of vulnerable people have tended to focus on a specific group with little evidence of improvement in health outcomes or attention to intersectionality. This study proposes that exclusion within health services can first be addressed through identification of common practices underpinning exclusion. A total of 119 seemingly hardly reached residents participated through individual interviews, small group interviews and focus group discussions. Undertaking a Derridean deconstruction analysis, the study identified three exclusionary practices commonly experienced by respondents when seeking healthcare in a regional setting. These are: i) language and communication, ii) assumptions and prejudice, and [...]
12
Dec, 2023
Lived experience narratives in health professional education: educators’ perspectives of a co-designed, online mental health education resource
Lived experience narratives in health professional education: educators’ perspectives of a co-designed, online mental health education resource
Abstract Summary
Introduction Meaningful involvement of people with lived experience is an invaluable approach to education that facilitates the development of knowledge, skills and attitudes for collaborative, compassionate and person-centred healthcare practice. The purpose of this evaluation was to gain health professional educators’ perspectives of an online learning resource that presents the lived experiences of people who have been consumers of the Australian mental health system. Methods A cross sectional study design was used to survey educators who had registered to use the online education resource. Data were collected using an online survey and follow-up interviews. Two lived experience researchers were involved [...]
8
Dec, 2023
An underutilised resource: The evolving role of clinical nurses contributing to rural health research
An underutilised resource: The evolving role of clinical nurses contributing to rural health research
Abstract Summary
Abstract Aim We aim to discuss the advantages of supporting clinical nurses’ involvement in place-based research in rural health services. Context Australian health services are currently struggling with increased demand in services from an aging population, chronic diseases and nursing workforce shortages. This impact is amplified in rural and remote regions of Australia. Approach Investment in place-based clinical nursing research provides opportunity for nursing recruitment, career and leadership development, and retention, while addressing local health issues and creating pathways for implementation of evidence-based practice. Conclusion Collaboration between rural health services, universities, policy makers and the Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training program [...]
30
Nov, 2023
Clinical yarning education: development and pilot evaluation of an education program to improve clinical communication in Aboriginal health care participant, and health manager perspectives.
Clinical yarning education: development and pilot evaluation of an education program to improve clinical communication in Aboriginal health care participant, and health manager perspectives.
Abstract Summary
Background Effective communication between health care clinicians and Aboriginal patients is critical to delivering high quality, accessible, culturally secure health care. Despite this, ineffective communication is a well-documented barrier, and few studies have reported interventions to improve communication. Clinical Yarning is a patient centred communication framework for Aboriginal health care. Building on this framework, this study reports the development and evaluation of a Clinical Yarning education program. Methods A Clinical Yarning education program was developed, underpinned by the principles of cultural security and adult learning, informed by a behavioural skills approach. The program was delivered in five health/education settings in [...]
6
Oct, 2023
Responsiveness of a rural Aboriginal community controlled health organisation: A qualitative study
Responsiveness of a rural Aboriginal community controlled health organisation: A qualitative study
Abstract Summary
Introduction Responsiveness of health care systems is a global concept defined as the ability of systems to function in a manner that meets the expectations of individuals, and is under-studied. In Australia, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) are valued by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples for the provision of holistic culturally safe primary health care and are well positioned to be responsive to community needs. Objective To develop a conceptual framework examining the responsiveness of a rural ACCHO to the health care needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in their service region. Design A qualitative interview [...]
4
Oct, 2023
A scoping review of the barriers and facilitators to accessing and utilising mental health services across regional, rural, and remote Australia
A scoping review of the barriers and facilitators to accessing and utilising mental health services across regional, rural, and remote Australia
Abstract Summary
Background Inadequate healthcare access and utilisation are implicated in the mental health burden experienced by those living in regional, rural, and remote Australia. Facilitators that better enable access and utilisation are also reported in the literature. To date, a synthesis on both the barriers and facilitators to accessing and utilising mental health services within the rural Australian context has not been undertaken. This scoping review aims to (1) synthesise the barriers and facilitators to accessing and utilising mental health services in regional, rural, and remote Australia, as identified using the Modified Monash Model; and (2) better understand the relationship between [...]
1
Oct, 2023
Changing conversations about family violence in regional Western Australia: A primary prevention communication case study.
Changing conversations about family violence in regional Western Australia: A primary prevention communication case study.
Abstract Summary
Objective To illuminate the enablers and challenges of implementing a communication strategy designed to support Community, Respect, Equality (CRE) and a family and domestic violence (FDV) primary prevention plan in a regional Western Australian town. Method This research draws on documentation and interviews with members of Leading Lights, an advocacy group arising from a collaboration of local organisations to communicate the goals and priorities of the CRE action plan. Interviews explored how primary prevention messages were promoted to foster supportive community attitudes toward addressing the drivers of FDV. Results The initiative fostered a learning community that coordinated public messaging about the [...]