Workforce

This project aims to explore early career paramedics’ experiences of practicing in rural areas and their perspectives about their mental health care needs. Paramedics who have commenced practice in rural NSW in the last 5 years will be interviewed about their experiences.

Research Team:  Kylie Carra, Dr Jayden Hunter, Associate Professor Brett Gordon, Sandy MacQuarrie (Griffith University and Charles Sturt University), Professor Carol McKinstry

This research seeks to explore the community perceptions of social work and social workers perception of social work to gain a more nuanced understanding of the profile of the social work profession in Australia, and internationally. This involves exploring rural, regional and metropolitan geographical areas in which social work in Australia takes place. Findings of public opinion research undertaken in other parts are the world are encouraging and assist to develop a blueprint for the future of Australian social work services, as well as providing a baseline for further research in this important policy area. The intention as a research group is to compare and discuss findings from Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, The Netherlands and South Africa, providing an international comparison.

Research Team: Dr Natasha Long, Dr Corina Modderman

Research Team: Professor Phil Maude, Adam Searby, Russell James.

The review will bring benefits to ambulance/paramedic workforce, patients and the public through a better understanding and awareness of effective mental health interventions and intervention components for ambulance services. The findings will inform the development and evaluation of mental health services within both rural and regionals settings.

Research Team: Kate Emond and researchers from University of Lincoln and Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health

This study is seeking to explore the supports that rural mature-aged nursing and allied health students need to be successful in undertaking higher education courses. Gaps in support, enablers and barriers have been identified through collective data from students and university staff on three regional campuses.

Research Team: Professor Carol McKinstry, Dr Claire Quilliam, Dr Nicole Crawford

This study is investigating where graduates from the Rural Health School in AHPRA registered professions (dentistry, oral health, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nursing, pharmacy and paramedicine) are working and what influences the uptake of rural practice.  Factors being examined include rural upbringing of graduates and location of placements during their course.  This longitudinal study will collect data in 2024 and 2029.

Research Team: Professor Jane Mills, Professor Carol McKinstry, A/Professor Byron Perrin, A/Professor Santosh Tadakamadla, Libby Semmens.

This project is investigating what competencies allied health students require to use telehealth on placement and when they graduate.  Systematic reviews have been conducted and current allied health students at La Trobe University and the University of Plymouth will be surveyed about their experiences learning about telehealth in their course.

Research Team: Professor Carol McKinstry, Dr Kate Bridgman, Dr Shane Erickson, Professor Adam Bird and A/Professor Sally Abey.

This PhD research is about early career (from new graduate, up to and including the first 3 years of practice) physiotherapy transition, focusing on the desirable attributes of these professionals in regional, rural, and remote workplace settings.

HDR Student: Rachael McAleer

Supervisors: Emeritus Professor Amanda Kenny and Associate Professor Lisa Hanson

The focus of the study will change from early career registered nurses to the broader nursing workforce to include registered nurses, registered nurse/midwives, enrolled nurses, and nurse practitioners. The study will explore the factors that influence nurses to stay or leave the nursing workforce. The findings of the study will be used to develop a suite of mitigation strategies for health services to use to improve retention

HDR Student: Maureen Dillon

Supervisors: Professor Jane Mills, Associate Professor Lisa Hanson and Dr Helen Wright (James Cook Uni)

The PhD research aimed to explore the experiences of rural and regional secondary school teachers with students at risk of mental illness, and those experiencing depression, anxiety, early psychosis and suicide risk.  277 teachers from 27 secondary schools in Loddon Mallee and Gippsland responded to a survey with over 90% reporting having students with depression and anxiety in their class and 11% having a student experiencing early psychosis in their class.

PhD Student: Siann Bowman

Supervisors: Professor Carol McKinstry, Adjunct Associate Professor Linsey Howie

This is a qualitative study looking at the preparedness of post graduate critical care nursing students for rural and regional practice.

PhD Student: Sarah Beasleigh Melanie Bish, Anne-Marie Mahoney