Partner organisations
The project is funded through the Commonwealth Government’s Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training program and supported by Whiddon Aged Care, Southern Cross University, Northern NSW Local Health District, TAFE NSW, NSW Rural Doctors Network, Services for Australian Rural and Remote Allied Health, Healthy North Coast, Indigenous Allied Health Association and North Coast Allied Health Association.
Status/timing
Four-year project currently underway
What does the Project focus on?
We are evaluating the effectiveness and sustainability of student placements in residential aged care homes and multi-purpose service (MPS) clinics. Our research focus includes:
- Understanding the contextual factors that drive the program in rural residential aged care homes in Northern Rivers.
- Understanding to what extent the program enhances the residents’ health & wellbeing.
- Assessing to what extent the program change students’ perceptions of aged care, empathy, confidence in working in aged care, and career decisions.
- Considering whether the program contributes to the local workforce capability and capacity building.
- Identifying stakeholders perceptions of the program’s implementation and sustainability in rural context.
What type of project/study
This is a mixed-method realist evaluation.
What do we expect to achieve with this project when complete?
Our evaluation of the service-learning placements will facilitate development of a rural placement model for health students that not only works but is embraced and sustainable in rural and remote communities. We will share our project findings with local health service and university partners to broaden the scope of health student placements across the region. We hope to make a national impact too. By listening to our stakeholders and understanding their needs and aspirations regarding the placements and conveying these voices to the Commonwealth Government, we can help shape future rural health workforce policies and strategies.
