Research in the Department of Rural Health Sciences
The Department of Rural Health Sciences is recognised nationally and internationally for its research.
Our academic staff collaborate with communities to understand their strengths, needs and challenges – with an end goal of transforming regional healthcare.
They make key contributions to the Violet Vines Marshman Centre for Rural Health Research, the John Richards Centre for Rural Ageing Research, the Holsworth Research Initiative, the Judith Lumley Centre and the Living with Disability Research Centre.
Department staff also deliver high-quality research training, skills development and research support to local health professionals, supervisors, research students and partners.
Our contribution aligns with La Trobe University’s research themes: Social change and equity, Healthy people, families and communities, Resilient environments and communities and Understanding and preventing disease.
Research Areas
Our researchers work on primary care and multidisciplinary models of healthcare; healthcare service development; mental health and addictions; sexual and gender-based violence; child family and community health; improving management of chronic conditions across the lifespan; and strengthening rural health workforce and health education.
Our research is grouped into three key areas:
Our researchers develop targeted interventions and community engagement initiatives to improve outcomes for those with chronic conditions or disability. Leveraging interdisciplinary approaches and collaborating with local healthcare providers, educators and community organisations, our evidence-based programs are tailored to the needs of rural populations.
Our work focuses on improving access to specialised care, providing education and support services, promoting self-management strategies, and fostering inclusive environments that empower individuals living with disabilities and their families to participate in community life.
Current projects include reducing the burden of diabetes-related foot disease and mental health assessment pre-hospital care for people living with mental health conditions.
Rural communities often face critical shortages of health and human service professionals, impacting access to quality care and, ultimately, individual and community health and wellbeing. Our researchers are addressing this issue through projects on recruitment, retention, training and workforce health.
Current projects include examining the factors influencing nurses’ decisions to remain in the profession; evaluating the effectiveness of the postgraduate critical care nursing education in preparing graduates for rural practice; and the health of shift workers, focusing on the impact of sleep and fatigue.
Our researchers explore how health research, innovative health service design and approaches, and knowledge translation can be combined to maximise healthcare outcomes for rural communities. These projects are undertaken through partnerships and in collaboration with health service providers.
Current projects include reducing sexual and gender-based violence, improving maternal and child health outcomes, and optimising the health service response for women and children experiencing gender-based violence; establishing community-based palliative care services, choice in end-of-life planning and support for dying at home; and collaborating with the paramedic workforce to introduce community paramedicine.
Graduate research
The Rural Health School is educating the next generation of health and human service providers, offering high-quality training for graduate researchers. Our programs include opportunities for masters, professional doctorate and PhD candidates to undertake impactful projects under expert guidance.
Some of our PhD candidates are working with industry organisations including government, private or not-for profit health services in industry sponsored PhDs. Graduate researchers benefit from robust support, with dedicated teams of at least two supervisors, Progress Committees and a carefully tailored milestone program.
Immersed in a vibrant research culture, our graduate researchers participate in research seminars, writing workshops, skills-based workshops, an annual 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) competition and an annual Higher Degree by Research conference. Many also contribute to School teaching, preparing them for future careers in academia.
As part of La Trobe University’s Graduate Research School, our researchers join a thriving community and access skill-building opportunities through the Research Education and Development (RED) team. Workshops cover topics from preparing systematic literature reviews to data manipulation and visualisation; and initiatives like Shut Up and Write! and 3MT further enhance their research skills.
Learn more about our graduate research opportunities at La Trobe University or connect with the Rural Health School’s Director of Graduate Research, Dr Corina Modderman.
Research Centres and Initiatives
Our staff make key contributions to La Trobe University’s research centres and initiatives.
The Holsworth Research Initiative conducts translational research with an exercise and physical activity focus that reduces inequalities by improving the health and well-being for individuals and communities in regional and rural locations.
Find out more about the Centre.
The John Richards Centre for Rural Ageing Research leads research and innovation related to rural aged care workforce and health delivery initiatives; promotes interdisciplinary and inter-institutional collaboration in developing, testing and implementing evidence-based healthcare delivery solutions for older people in rural areas; and serves as a rural centre for honours and postgraduate research training in rural aged care workforce and health delivery initiatives.
Find out more about the Centre.
The Judith Lumley Centre conducts interdisciplinary, applied research to improve the health and wellbeing of women, children and families. The Centre leads research in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family health; breastfeeding; child, family and community health; mother and infant health and maternity services; reproductive health and planned parenthood; preventing and reducing violence against women and children; transition to contemporary parenthood - preparation and support; and work and family.
Find out more about the Centre.
The Living with Disability Research Centre conducts research to help improve practices, programs and policies that support the social inclusion of people with cognitive disabilities. The Centre’s research program focuses on building a robust evidence base for the disability sector, and the broader community, to address the complex and multifaceted problems facing people with cognitive disability, their families and carers.
Find out more about the Centre.
The Violet Vines Marshman Centre for Rural Health Research focuses on transforming rural health outcomes through research, collaboration and community engagement. The Centre was established in 2019 following a $3M investment from the VV Marshman Charitable Trust and has launched Australia’s first Rural Health Consumer Panel.
Find out more about the Centre.