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Glenister KM, McNeil R, Thorpe T, Bourke L. Positive change in intent to practice rurally is strongly associated with nursing and allied health students of metropolitan origin after rural clinical placement. Aust J Rural Health 2024; 32:377-387. [PMID: 38456241 DOI: 10.1111/ajr.13099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
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 of practicing rurally. Importantly, 57% of metropolitan origin students studying at metropolitan campuses exhibited positive change. Logistic regression analysis suggested that after controlling for age, gender and satisfaction with placement and supervision, students of metropolitan origin at metropolitan campuses were 6.4 times more likely to report positive change in intent to practice rurally after placement than students of rural origin studying at non-metropolitan campuses.Follow-up data suggested that a substantial proportion of health professionals providing services in rural areas were of metropolitan origin. RESULTS These findings concur that rural origin and rural training are important predictors of working rurally. Additionally, metropolitan students can change their intention to practice rurally after a rural placement. CONCLUSIONS This study supports strategies to enhance intention to practice rurally that are not restricted to rural origin students to build rural workforce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen M Glenister
- Department of Rural Health, University of Melbourne, Wangaratta, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robyn McNeil
- Department of Rural Health, University of Melbourne, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia
| | - Trish Thorpe
- Department of Rural Health, University of Melbourne, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lisa Bourke
- Department of Rural Health, University of Melbourne, Shepparton, Victoria, Australia
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Fisher K, Depczynski J, Mitchell E, Smith A. Factors influencing nursing and allied health recent graduates' rural versus urban preferred principal place of practice: A cross-sectional data linkage study. Aust J Rural Health 2024; 32:117-128. [PMID: 38014427 DOI: 10.1111/ajr.13069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Disparities between metropolitan and non-metropolitan health workforce must be addressed to reduce inequities in health care access. Understanding factors affecting early career practitioners' choice of practice location can inform workforce planning. OBJECTIVE To investigate influences on rural practice location preferences of recent graduates. DESIGN Cross-sectional analysis linked university enrolment, Graduate Outcomes Survey (GOS) and Australian Health Professional Regulation Agency (Ahpra) principal place of practice (PPP) for 2018 and 2019 nursing and allied health graduates from two Australian universities. Chi-squared tests and logistic regression compared rural versus urban PPP and locational preference. FINDINGS Of 2979 graduates, 1295 (43.5%) completed the GOS, with 63.7% (n = 825) working in their profession and 84.0% of those (n = 693) in their preferred location. Ahpra PPP data were extracted for 669 (81.1%) of those working in their profession. Most reported influences were 'proximity to family/friends' (48.5%), 'lifestyle of the area' (41.7%) and 'opportunity for career advancement' (40.7%). Factors most influential for rural PPP were 'cost of accommodation/housing' (OR = 2.26, 95% CI = 1.23-4.17) and 'being approached by an employer' (OR = 2.10, 95% CI = 1.12-3.92). Having an urban PPP was most influenced by 'spouse/partners employment/career' (OR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.30-0.93) and 'proximity to family/friends' (OR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.24-0.72). DISCUSSION While the findings add strength to the understanding that graduates who originated from a rural area are most likely to take up rural practice in their preferred location, varied social and professional factors are influential on decision-making. CONCLUSIONS It is imperative to recruit students from non-metropolitan regions into health professional degrees, as well as addressing other influences on choice of practice location.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Fisher
- University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health, Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Julie Depczynski
- University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health, Moree, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Eleanor Mitchell
- Monash University Department of Rural Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anthony Smith
- University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health, Taree, New South Wales, Australia
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Jessup B, Tran N, Stevens T, Barnett T. Rural origin student representation in health courses at the University of Tasmania: 2011-2020. Aust J Rural Health 2023; 31:944-956. [PMID: 37545396 DOI: 10.1111/ajr.13027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe longitudinal trends in the admission and completion of domestic Tasmanian rural origin students in health courses at the University of Tasmania (UTAS). METHODS A retrospective audit of records for all domestic Tasmanian students admitted to, or who completed a health course offered by UTAS between 2011 and 2020 was conducted. Data extracted from student records included gender, age, Indigenous background, rural origin (based on residential address outside of Launceston or Hobart at the time of application), health discipline, year of admission and/or completion. Data were analysed in STATA. RESULTS Between 2011 and 2020, 7516 domestic Tasmanian students were admitted to health courses at UTAS, of which 22.6% were rural origin (vs. a rural population of 36.7%). Students admitted were mostly female (77.0%) and studying nursing (51.1%). Rural origin students were more likely to study at the regional campus in Launceston than in Hobart, the capital city (OR, 3.79 [3.4-4.3, p < 0.00]). Over this same period, 5086 students completed a health course. There was little difference in completion rates among regional vs. rural origin students (OR, 1.04 [1.0-1.1, p < 0.00]); however, completion rates decreased with increasing remoteness. Indigenous and male students were less likely to complete than non-Indigenous (OR, 0.73 [0.7-0.8, p < 0.05]) and female students (OR, 0.97 [1.0-1.0, p < 0.05]) respectively. CONCLUSIONS Tasmanian rural origin students are admitted to a range of health courses at UTAS and many complete. However, additional measures are needed to attract a greater number of local rural origin students to study health courses and to support them through to course completion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda Jessup
- Centre for Rural Health, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Nga Tran
- Centre for Rural Health, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Terri Stevens
- Centre for Rural Health, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Tony Barnett
- Centre for Rural Health, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
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Flinterman LE, González-González AI, Seils L, Bes J, Ballester M, Bañeres J, Dan S, Domagala A, Dubas-Jakóbczyk K, Likic R, Kroezen M, Batenburg R. Characteristics of Medical Deserts and Approaches to Mitigate Their Health Workforce Issues: A Scoping Review of Empirical Studies in Western Countries. Int J Health Policy Manag 2023; 12:7454. [PMID: 38618823 PMCID: PMC10590222 DOI: 10.34172/ijhpm.2023.7454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medical deserts are considered a problematic issue for many Western countries which try to employ multitude of policies and initiatives to achieve a better distribution of their health workforce (HWF). The aim of this study was to systematically map research and provide an overview of definitions, characteristics, contributing factors and approaches to mitigate medical deserts within the European Union (EU)-funded project "ROUTE-HWF" (a Roadmap OUT of mEdical deserts into supportive Health WorkForce initiatives and policies). METHODS We performed a scoping review to identify knowledge clusters/research gaps in the field of medical deserts focusing on HWF issues. Six databases were searched till June 2021. Studies reporting primary research from Western countries on definitions, characteristics, contributing factors, and approaches were included. Two independent reviewers assessed studies for eligibility, extracted data and clustered studies according to the four defined outcomes. RESULTS Two-hundred and forty studies were included (n=116, 48% Australia/New Zealand; n=105, 44% North America; n=20, 8% Europe). All used observational designs except for five quasi-experimental studies. Studies provided definitions (n=171, 71%), characteristics (n=95, 40%), contributing factors (n=112, 47%), and approaches to mitigate medical deserts (n=87, 36%). Most medical deserts were defined by the density of the population in an area. Contributing factors to HWF issues in medical deserts consisted in work-related (n=55, 23%) and lifestyle-related factors (n=33, 14%) of the HWF as well as sociodemographic characteristics (n=79, 33%). Approaches to mitigate them focused on training adapted to the scope of rural practice (n=67, 28%), HWF distribution (n=3, 1%), support/infrastructure (n=8, 3%) and innovative models of care (n=7, 3%). CONCLUSION Our study provides the first scoping review that presents and categorizes definitions, characteristics, contributing factors, and approaches to mitigate HWF issues in medical deserts. We identified gaps such as the scarcity of longitudinal studies to investigate the impact of factors contributing to medical deserts, and interventional studies to evaluate the effectiveness of approaches to mitigate HWF issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda E. Flinterman
- Health Workforce and Organization Studies, Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (NIVEL), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Laura Seils
- Avedis Donabedian Research Institute – UAB, Madrid, Spain
| | - Julia Bes
- Health Workforce and Organization Studies, Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (NIVEL), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Sorin Dan
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship InnoLab, University of Vaasa, Vaasa, Finland
| | - Alicja Domagala
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Institute of Public Health, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Dubas-Jakóbczyk
- Department of Health Economics and Social Security, Institute of Public Health, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Robert Likic
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marieke Kroezen
- Trimbos Institute, Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald Batenburg
- Health Workforce and Organization Studies, Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (NIVEL), Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Sociology, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Crossley C, Collett M, Thompson SC. Tracks to Postgraduate Rural Practice: Longitudinal Qualitative Follow-Up of Nursing Students Who Undertook a Rural Placement in Western Australia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5113. [PMID: 36982020 PMCID: PMC10049296 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20065113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The nursing workforce is the backbone of healthcare provision in rural and remote Australia. Introducing student nurses to rural clinical placements is one strategy used to address the shortfall of healthcare workers outside of major cities, with the goal of improving the training, recruitment and retention of nurses in rural areas. The aim of this qualitative, longitudinal study was to better understand personal and professional decision-making around rural nursing practice intentions and subsequent rural employment and retention. The study methodology consisted of repeated semi-structured interviews with student nurses who had completed at least one rural placement and following them on their journey to becoming graduate nurses over a 6-year period. Thematic longitudinal analysis was undertaken, with three main themes developing, each with further subthemes: (1) participants' satisfaction with rural placements; (2) their challenges with gaining employment; and (3) considerations regarding 'going rural' for work. The participants engaged in both prospective and retrospective reflection around several professional, personal, and wider systemic barriers and enablers to rural practice, which are discussed in detail in this paper. The insights from this longitudinal study have the potential to assist the development of a sustainable rural nursing workforce through informing rural workforce programs, strategies and policies.
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Characterizing the Health of Older Rural Australians Attending Rural Events: Implications for Future Health Promotion Opportunities. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19053011. [PMID: 35270704 PMCID: PMC8910001 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19053011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
This paper describes the health of older Australians (>65 years) attending rural events to inform health promotion interventions for rural populations. This cross-sectional study collected survey data and objective health measures between 2017 and 2020 at two events held in rural New South Wales, Australia. Participants included in the analysis were adults > 65 years of age. Data included demographic and health information, anthropometric measures (height, weight, waist circumference), and dietary and physical activity data. A total of 256 people > 65 years participated. Our sample, which was mostly male (59.0%), contained people aged between 66 and 75 years (72.3%). Participants lived in either a large rural (34.0%) or small rural town (22.3%), with low levels of education (60.9% did not complete high school). Dietary quality was rated as below average. All but 17.2% of the participants reported having a health condition. The risk of a health condition was associated with increasing age, lower education, and higher waist circumference, but not remoteness. Rural events may provide an opportunity to access, engage with, and understand the health of older rural Australians, especially males. They may offer ideal contexts for health and nutrition promotion opportunities in rural areas where access to health professionals is limited.
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Beks H, Walsh S, Alston L, Jones M, Smith T, Maybery D, Sutton K, Versace VL. Approaches Used to Describe, Measure, and Analyze Place of Practice in Dentistry, Medical, Nursing, and Allied Health Rural Graduate Workforce Research in Australia: A Systematic Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:1438. [PMID: 35162455 PMCID: PMC8834932 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Redressing the maldistribution of the health workforce in regional, rural, and remote geographical areas is a global issue and crucial to improving the accessibility of primary health care and specialist services. Geographical classification systems are important as they provide an objective and quantifiable measure of access and can have direct policy relevance, yet they are not always consistently applied in rural health research. It is unclear how research focusing on the graduate health workforce in Australia has described, measured, and analyzed place of practice. To examine approaches used, this review systematically scopes Australian rural studies focusing on dentistry, medicine, nursing, and allied health graduates that have included place of practice as an outcome measure. The Joanna Brigg's Institute Scoping Review Methodology was used to guide the review. Database searches retrieved 1130 unique citations, which were screened, resulting in 62 studies for inclusion. Included studies were observational, with most focusing on the practice locations of medical graduates and predicators of rural practice. Variations in the use of geographical classification approaches to define rurality were identified and included the use of systems that no longer have policy relevance, as well as adaptations of existing systems that make future comparisons between studies challenging. It is recommended that research examining the geographical distribution of the rural health workforce use uniform definitions of rurality that are aligned with current government policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Beks
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong 3220, Australia; (H.B.); (L.A.)
| | - Sandra Walsh
- Department of Rural Health, University of South Australia, Whyalla 5608, Australia; (S.W.); (M.J.)
| | - Laura Alston
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong 3220, Australia; (H.B.); (L.A.)
| | - Martin Jones
- Department of Rural Health, University of South Australia, Whyalla 5608, Australia; (S.W.); (M.J.)
| | - Tony Smith
- Department of Rural Health, University of Newcastle, Taree 2430, Australia;
| | - Darryl Maybery
- Department of Rural Health & Indigenous Health, Monash University, Warragul 3820, Australia; (D.M.); (K.S.)
| | - Keith Sutton
- Department of Rural Health & Indigenous Health, Monash University, Warragul 3820, Australia; (D.M.); (K.S.)
| | - Vincent L Versace
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong 3220, Australia; (H.B.); (L.A.)
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Ivec N, Beauchamp A, Sutton K, Mitchell E, O'Meara P, Bowles KA, Williams B. Investigating first-year graduate paramedics' reason for current work location: A cross-sectional, data linkage study. Aust J Rural Health 2021; 29:678-687. [PMID: 34490966 DOI: 10.1111/ajr.12786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to describe the demographic and employment characteristics of first-year graduates from a Victorian-based paramedicine course and investigate factors that influenced their choice in place of practice. DESIGN Cross-sectional study using data from the Nursing and Allied Health Graduate Outcomes Tracking study. SETTING Victoria, Australia. PARTICIPANTS First-year graduates (2019) from the Monash University range of paramedicine programs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Variables of interest included principal place of practice and the reasons for working in the current location. RESULTS Over half of the 2018 paramedicine course graduates responded to the 2019 Graduate Outcomes Survey. Nearly all were registered as paramedics (including double registrants as nurses), and over a fifth were from a rural background; however, less than that were working in a rural area. Of those with complete data, the most cited reasons for current work location were 'spouse/partner's employment or career', 'opportunity for career advancement' and 'scope of practice within the role'. CONCLUSION This study provides important insight into the factors associated with rural practice location amongst paramedicine graduates, specifically rural origin or personal, lifestyle and professional influences. The study adds to the sparse literature about paramedic practice location decision-making and highlights the need for further systematic longitudinal research examining the 'where' and 'why'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Ivec
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Keith Sutton
- Monash Rural Health, Warragul, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Peter O'Meara
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, School of Primary Allied Health Care, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kelly-Ann Bowles
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, School of Primary Allied Health Care, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Brett Williams
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, School of Primary Allied Health Care, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Campbell N, Farthing A, Lenthall S, Moore L, Anderson J, Witt S, Rissel C. Workplace locations of allied health and nursing graduates who undertook a placement in the Northern Territory of Australia from 2016 to 2019: An observational cohort study. Aust J Rural Health 2021; 29:947-957. [PMID: 34490936 DOI: 10.1111/ajr.12784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study is to determine the current work locations of allied health professionals and nurses who undertook a student placement in the Northern Territory of Australia from 2016-2019. DESIGN An observational cohort study was conducted in October 2020, with students emailed a link to an on-line survey, plus two reminders. SETTING Primary health care in the Northern Territory of Australia. PARTICIPANTS All allied health and nursing students who undertook a student learning placement in the Northern Territory from 2016-2019 (n = 1936). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Practicing nurses and allied health professionals were asked about their work history and locations (coded using the Modified Monash Model of remoteness and population size). RESULTS The response rate was 14.2% (275/1936 students). Most respondents reported that their placement positively influenced them to consider working: in a rural or remote location (76%), in the Northern Territory (81%), and with marginalised or under-served populations (74%). Of the respondents, 224 had graduated and 203 were currently working in their health profession. A total of 31.4% of respondents reported that they had worked in a remote or rural location after graduation. CONCLUSIONS The student placement had a positive effect on the likelihood of students working in a rural or remote location. A focus on recruiting students with a remote upbringing/background and offering longer placements would likely be successful in helping build the health professional workforce in remote locations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Annie Farthing
- Flinders NT, Centre for Remote Health, Flinders University, Alice Springs, NT, Australia
| | - Sue Lenthall
- Flinders NT, Flinders University, Katherine, NT, Australia
| | | | - Jessie Anderson
- Flinders NT, Centre for Remote Health, Flinders University, Alice Springs, NT, Australia
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Versace VL, Smith T, Sutton K. Beyond the black stump: rapid reviews of health research issues affecting regional, rural and remote Australia. Med J Aust 2021; 215:141-141.e1. [PMID: 34245017 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.51165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Tony Smith
- Department of Rural Health, University of Newcastle, Taree, NSW
| | - Keith Sutton
- School of Rural Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC
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11
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Jones A, Campbell N. Editorial Special Issue. Aust J Rural Health 2021; 29:124-126. [PMID: 33982845 DOI: 10.1111/ajr.12749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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Smith T, Sutton K, Beauchamp A, Depczynski J, Brown L, Fisher K, Waller S, Wakely L, Maybery D, Versace VL. Profile and rural exposure for nursing and allied health students at two Australian Universities: A retrospective cohort study. Aust J Rural Health 2021; 29:21-33. [PMID: 33567159 PMCID: PMC7986835 DOI: 10.1111/ajr.12689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Linking enrolment and professional placement data for students' from 2 universities, this study compares characteristics across universities and health disciplines. The study explores associations between students' location of origin and frequency, duration and type of placements. Design Retrospective cohort data linkage. Setting Two Australian universities, Monash University and the University of Newcastle. Participants Students who completed medical radiation science, nursing, occupational therapy, pharmacy or physiotherapy at either university between 2 February 2017 and 28 February 2018. Interventions Location of origin, university and discipline of enrolment. Main outcome measure(s) Main measures were whether graduates had multiple rural placements, number of rural placements and cumulative rural placement days. Location of origin, discipline and university of enrolment were the main explanatory variables. Secondary dependent variables were age, sex, socio‐economic indices for location of origin, and available placements. Results A total of 1,315 students were included, of which 22.1% were of rural origin. The odds of rural origin students undertaking a rural placement was more than 4.5 times greater than for urban origin students. A higher proportion of rural origin students had multiple rural placement (56.0% vs 14.9%), with a higher mean number of rural placement days. Public hospitals were the most common placement type, with fewer in primary care, mental health or aged care. Conclusions There is a positive association between rural origin and rural placements in nursing and allied health. To help strengthen recruitment and retention of graduates this association could be further exploited, while being inclusive of non‐rural students
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony Smith
- Department of Rural Health, The University of Newcastle, Taree, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | - Julie Depczynski
- Department of Rural Health, The University of Newcastle, Moree, NSW, Australia
| | - Leanne Brown
- Department of Rural Health, The University of Newcastle, Tamworth, NSW, Australia
| | - Karin Fisher
- Department of Rural Health, The University of Newcastle, Tamworth, NSW, Australia
| | - Susan Waller
- Monash Rural Health, Latrobe Regional Hospital, Traralgon, Vic., Australia
| | - Luke Wakely
- Department of Rural Health, The University of Newcastle, Tamworth, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Vincent L Versace
- School of Medicine, Deakin Rural Health, Warrnambool, Vic., Australia
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