Program

Our program is now available.

Keynote speakers

Emma McBride mp

View Bio

Emma McBride is the Federal Member for the electorate of Dobell, on the Central Coast of NSW and was elected in 2016. After the 2019 election Emma was appointed Shadow Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Shadow Assistant Minister for Carers. Emma was the Deputy Chair of the House of Representatives Select Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in 2021. Following the 2022 election, Emma McBride was appointed Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health.

Emma worked in health for over 20 years, both in Australia and abroad. She was a Specialist Mental Health Pharmacist and the Chief Pharmacist at Wyong Hospital, and prior to her election to Parliament, was the Deputy Director of Pharmacy for Central Coast Local Health District.

Emma’s background in a range of health care settings provides a unique platform to promote better health services for both her local area and the broader community.

Emma is a passionate advocate for quality healthcare, close to home. Emma recognises the unique challenges facing rural and regional communities in accessing health care and hopes to help shape public policy that promotes the health and wellbeing of all Australians, regardless of where they live.

John Boffa

View Bio

Dr John Boffa graduated from medicine from Monash University and completed a Masters in Public Health at the Melbourne Consortium. John has worked in Aboriginal health in the Northern Territory since the 1980s, and holds the position of Chief Medical Officer Public Health at the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress. At a local level John continues to work on alcohol policy reform which led to recognition as the 2012 NT Australian of the year. Dr Boffa holds appointments as Adjunct Professor of Primary Health Care at Charles Darwin University, and Adjunct Associate Professor with the National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth.

View Title

Practicing what we preach: the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress Research Journey

Jenny May

View Bio

Jump to: A B C D E F G HIJ K L M N O P Q R S T U V WXY Z

A

Julaine Allan

Lightning Talk Title:

Online counselling for rural Australians affected by a loved one’s substance use

Abstract:
Show

Introduction: Rural Australians are disproportionately affected by the physical and psychological harms associated with substance use when compared to those living in urban areas. Yet, support services for concerned significant others (CSOs) of individuals using substances remain limited. In 2022, only 8.1% of people accessing substance use treatment in Australia were identified as CSOs. Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) is a well-established, evidence-based therapeutic approach designed to assist those close to someone using substances. Drawing on principles from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI), CRAFT equips family members and friends with strategies to improve their own emotional wellbeing and to interact more effectively with their loved one. Although CRAFT is widely implemented in the United States, it is not routinely available in Australia. This project sought to enhance support for rural Australians caring for someone affected by substance use by delivering the CRAFT program to family members and friends. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted in rural Australia, and involved self-selected CSOs who had a close relationship with someone using substances. This qualitative study explored the experiences of a subset of participants from the RCT trial through in-depth interviews. Aim: To identify the factors associated with successful implementation of CRAFT as perceived by participants. Method: Utilising a qualitative research design, semi-structured interviews were conducted via Zoom. Eligible interviewees were CSOs who had been involved in the RCT, completing between one and eight CRAFT sessions. Purposive sampling was used to include a range of participants from the following three categories: intervention and waitlist participants, completion and non-completion participants, and receiving the intervention from a variety of practitioners. Interviews were conducted via Zoom and focused on participants’ experiences caring for someone using AOD, perceptions of CRAFT, and perceived changes in themselves and their relationships. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematically to identify common patterns and key insights. Results: The study highlighted a significant gap in structured support available to concerned significant others (CSOs) of individuals using substances. Participants described several benefits from the CRAFT program, including improved self-care practices, enhanced communication with their loved one, and in some cases, noticeable reductions in the loved one’s substance use. Conclusion: CSOs of people who use substances need greater recognition and targeted support. Implications for service delivery are discussed. Take home message: Delegates will gain valuable insights into the experiences and support needs of rural Australians who care for someone affected by substance use.

A/Prof Geoff Argus

Biography:
Show

Biography:
Show

Dr. Kelly Banz is a Rural Generalist in Alice Springs, Northern Territory. She has lived in Mparntwe for 6 years. She is the inaugural GP Liaison Medical Adviser for Alice Springs Hospital and worked for many years before this in every primary care sector in Alice, including NTG Remote, Congress, and private practice.

Poster Title:

Plumbers for the Heart of Australia: a GP Liaison Program for Alice Springs

Abstract:
Show

Aims: The objective of the inaugural 2-year GP Liaison program in Central Australia is to improve transitions for patients between GPs and hospitals through improving referral processes, discharge communications, relationship building, and promotion of NT Health Pathways to support coordinated care. Context: The Central Australian Regional Health Service, the Remote Health and Primary Care branch of Northern Territory Health, and the Northern Territory Primary Health Network designed, in partnership, a General Practice Liaison service for Central Australia from October 2024. Rural and remote settings commonly describe communication issues arising from geographic distance, limited workforce and infrastructure resources, and complex coordination of care across primary and tertiary settings. Despite this, GP Liaison programs are often concentrated in metropolitan areas. A GP Liaison program started in Top End Health Service approximately 18 months before commencing in Central Australia, and the success of this service model provided the basis for expansion. Intervention: We undertook a needs analysis for the primary and secondary care sectors in Alice Springs, consisting of all parts of the primary care sector (NTG Remote, Central Australian Aboriginal Congress Urban and Remote, private and Medicare GP practices, and NGOs) and secondary/tertiary care sector (Emergency, Outpatients, Allied Health, and Inpatient services at Alice Springs Hospital). Interventions by the GPLO in ASH included:

Single point of escalation for bidirectional communication, which often served as entry and awareness for the new program;
Advocacy for and input from primary care to multiple stakeholder engagements, as invitee and standing member of digital health, community interest groups, hospital education, and tertiary care committees;
Promotion of NT Health Pathways for GPs and GP Registrars and strengthening of the HP platform by leveraging relationships with Subject Matter Experts;
Early development and identification of shared care pathways appropriate to the local context.

Evaluation: Several key patient care outcomes for GPs and hospitalists, such as wait times for initial and review specialist outpatient appointments, are multifactorial. Thus, the outcome measures chosen for the impact of the GPL program included:

quarterly engagement metrics from the GPL in coordination with NT PHN, response to the GPL Survey undertaken by NT PHN annually in November, Health Pathway engagement metrics from NT PHN, and engagement rates from GPL communications such as the GPL Bulletin and NT PHN eNews;
Resolution rates from communication escalations;
Deferred referral rates calculated manually.

Findings: We identified several insights into service gaps. These included:

Discharge summary rate and quality for inpatients contain significant variability, highlighting the opportunity for both technological enabling and culture change;
Optimisation of referrals so patients are ready for care at initial appointment for outpatient specialists, with similar opportunities.

The program identified several barriers to improvement in service gaps, namely, workforce challenges and delays in digital health platforms. Findings are expected for the 12-month interim report in November, 2025. Conclusions: A GPL program in Central Australia provides the opportunity to improve the integration of primary and tertiary care with downstream improvements for patient care. These are like improvements in the plumbing of communication: removing barriers, filing in the cracks, and advocating and creating larger pipelines.

Blake Bavington

Oral Presentation Title:

Data: not the be all and end all in remote Australia

Abstract:
Show

Overview The availability of robust, reliable and statistically valid data in rural and remote Australia is often limited, the result of several interrelated factors. This has significant implications for Australia’s rural and remote communities and requires a multifaceted approach to optimise health planning and resource allocation in the face of these limitations. Context Data availability, validity, and reliability in rural and remote Australia are often compromised due to a range of interrelated factors. Sparse populations, geographic isolation, limited digital infrastructure, and inconsistent data collection contribute to gaps and inaccuracies in health-related data. Small sample sizes can skew statistical reliability, while transient populations and under-reporting, particularly among our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, undermine validity. Quantitative data can be dated, and aggregation at regional or state levels often obscures critical local nuances, masking distinct health trends or service gaps in specific communities. These limitations have serious implications for health equity and healthcare planning and risk the health needs of our most vulnerable populations being underreported or entirely overlooked. Inaccurate or incomplete data can quickly send health planners in the wrong direction, masking need and leading to erroneous conclusions, sub-optimal funding allocations, poorly targeted health interventions, and perpetuation of health disparities in already underserved areas. To minimise the impact of these challenges, healthcare organisations must adopt a multi-faceted, community-informed approach to data collection and planning. As the operator of the 3 Primary Health Networks (PHNs) that cover all of Western Australia, including the Country WA PHN, the WA Primary Health Alliance (WAHPA) frequently encounters such challenges and recognises that the ability to overcome them may never be completely achievable, so a commitment to continual improvement is paramount. The Country WA PHN spans 2.5 million square kilometers encompassing Goldfields-Esperance, Great Southern, Kimberley, Mid West, Pilbara, South West and the Wheatbelt. The purpose of PHNs is to integrate health services and optimise care coordination, particularly for those at risk of poor health outcomes, to ensure they receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time. It is therefore necessary to leverage local intelligence and qualitative knowledge to understand the true nature of need in our rural and remote areas, that often remains invisible in the available quantitative data. Conclusion WAPHA will discuss its efforts to overcome these limitations in rural and remote Western Australia, using specific examples provided to demonstrate its multifaceted approaches, including:

How WAPHA leverages stakeholder consultation to validate or challenge quantitative findings, identify knowledge gaps and document critical local nuances.
How WAPHA engages evolving technologies to collect and embed real time intelligence in health workforce planning, health needs assessments and service planning.
Formalised methodologies WAPHA uses to leverage local intelligence in health planning and service commissioning.
How a new methodology for estimating chronic disease prevalence across WA needed to exclude some geographies due to a lack of reliable or representative data (NB would require WAPHA approval to share externally).

Implementing student research placements in rural health services: A qualitative inquiry

Abstract:
Show

Background: Student research placements can contribute to enhancing health service research capacity and culture. However, little is known about their implementation in rural settings. The aim of this study was to explore the motivations, barriers, facilitators, benefits, and burdens of hosting student researchers in rural health services to inform a tailored, context-specific implementation tool. Methods: The study adopted a qualitative exploratory design using semi-structured interviews with staff members from rural health services across Victoria, Australia. A hybrid thematic analysis approach was applied to the data. The implementation tool was developed using findings from the thematic analysis adapted to the validated Quality Implementation Framework. Results: Nine individuals from seven health services across Victoria participated in the interviews. Participants reported that motivations for hosting student researchers included strengthening university partnerships, enhancing research capacity, and supporting workforce recruitment. Key facilitators included strong university relationships, existing research infrastructure, flexible supervision models, and alignment with health service priorities. Barriers included limited time and staff capacity, conflicting expectations surrounding the placements, and the university sector’s lack of experience with rural health service research. While placements provided benefits such as increased research activity and strengthened partnerships with universities, they also created burdens related to supervision workload and accountability (e.g., data security, student outputs). The implementation tool derived from these findings consists of 11 steps to facilitate planning, implementing and evaluating research placements in rural health services. Conclusions: This study describes the experiences of health service staff with student research placements in the rural setting, including challenges and benefits. Despite several barriers to implementation, student placements show promise in fostering local research capacity and culture. The tailored implementation tool developed in this study offers a resource for rural health services, with future research needed to test its utility.

Karen Bland

Biography:
Show

Karan Bland (she/her) teaches in Phase 1 (Years 1 and 2) of the Undergraduate Medicine program at UNSW’s Rural Clinical Campus in Port Macquarie. She brings a robust scientific and technical background, with hands-on experience in pathology, microbiology, and environmental laboratory science. Karan is deeply committed to student-centred education, with a particular emphasis on wellbeing, equity, and inclusivity - especially in the context of rural learning environments. Her dedication to professional growth is reflected in her attainment of a Master of Education (Higher Education) and her recognition as a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) in 2021.

Oral Presentation Title:

Same Degree, Different Postcode: Does Rural Medical Education Measure Up?

Abstract:
Show

Topic for discussion: The academic achievements of year-1 and -2 Rural Entry (RE) medical students studying at a rural versus metropolitan campus. Context/Background: Current rural training models aim to improve the recruitment and retention of health professionals in rural and remote Australia by increasing the opportunities for health students to study in these communities. Supported by the Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training Program (RHMT) several institutions have introduced end-to-end medicine programs, affording students the opportunity to study their full medicine degree in a rural location. While recent evaluations suggest that this program is effective in achieving the aim of improving rural recruitment and retention of health professionals, students often hesitate to study in rural locations due to perceived disadvantages and misconceptions about potential success. There is limited research investigating the educational outcomes associated with rural undergraduate medical training programs, and limited data around student success when studying at a rural versus metropolitan campus once entering medicine via the rural pathway. Method: A retrospective cohort study compared the academic performance of 94 Rural Entry (RE) medical students who completed Phase 1 (Years 1 and 2) in 2018 and 2019 at rural and metropolitan campuses. Academic outcomes were evaluated using multivariate linear regression, controlling for potential confounders including age, gender, and entry scores (ATAR, UCAT, and interview scores). Results: Academic results were largely consistent between RE students, irrespective of campus. The one exception: rural-based students performed significantly better than metropolitan-based students at practical examinations (P<0.05). No significant differences between metropolitan and rural based students were observed across all other measures. Discussion: hese findings demonstrate that RE students achieve comparable academic outcomes regardless of whether they study at a rural or metropolitan campus, with students at rural campuses potentially outperforming in practical assessments. This highlights the effectiveness of rural medical education programs in delivering high-quality training and suggests that rural clinical experiences may offer advantages in developing practical skills. This study focused on pre-COVID cohorts due to variability in course delivery across campuses resulting from COVID-19 restrictions. Additionally, the pandemic's disruption of high school education and university admission processes introduced potential unknown/unquantifiable variability, limiting the ability to make equitable comparisons across later cohorts. Future research should examine the specific factors contributing to enhanced practical performance in rural settings and explore long-term outcomes, including workforce distribution and rural practice retention. Expanding rural medical education programs may not only help address healthcare workforce shortages but also enhance the practical competence of graduates, better preparing them for the unique challenges of rural practice. These results support the ongoing development and expansion of rural medical education programs as a strategy to address healthcare workforce needs in underserved areas.

Rebecca Bradley

Biography:
Show

Rebecca is a Research Assistant with the Hearing for Learning Initiative. She has a background in economics and international development, and an interest in Aboriginal health workforce development. She lives and works in Mparntwe (Alice Springs).

Poster Title:

Cost analysis of a model for growing the Aboriginal health workforce

Abstract:
Show

BACKGROUND/RATIONALE Growing the First Nations health workforce is a national priority. Otitis media (middle ear disease) and hearing loss during the first three years of life can impact communication and learning pathways for First Nations children in remote communities. The Hearing for Learning is a 4-year stepped-wedge cluster randomised trial designed to evaluate a local Ear Health Facilitator workforce enhancement model to address both these issues in 20 Northern Territory (NT) communities. AIM This retrospective costing study estimated the costs associated with establishing and maintaining this Ear Health Facilitator workforce from the perspective of the health sector during one post-COVID pandemic year (2023) of the trial. METHOD Project records and research staff interviews informed the identification of resources used for on-country implementation of the three project phases in the base year (2023) (Lead-in – governance and trainee recruitment; Training; and Integration and Employment). Financial records were examined to identify, measure, and calculate financial costs, excluding research related costs. A cost model including personnel, travel, activity costs and equipment as cost drivers was developed to calculate total and mean costs, by community and by project phase. Sensitivity analysis explored the impact of geographic region (Top End vs Central Australia) and employer (NT Health and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service vs Menzies) on total and mean costs per community. A “maintenance year” was modelled to estimate the cost of sustaining the workforce in the longer term, following completion of initial training and workplace orientation support. RESULTS In the base year, nine of the 20 communities were involved in at least one of the three project phases (6 in Lead-in, 6 in Training, and 7 in Integration and Employment). The cost to implement the model in the base year was approximately $580,823, or $64,536 per community. Employment costs (63%) and researcher travel (32%) were the key cost drivers. The training phase was the costliest phase (51% of total costs), across all cost drivers. On average, implementing the model was more expensive in Central region compared to Top End, likely due to trainers being based in the Top End region (Darwin). In the Lead-in and Integration phases, mean cost was higher when the employer was ACCHS or NT Health, compared to Menzies. The estimated cost for a “maintenance year” was approximately $50,000 per community per annum. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the financial costs of a health workforce development initiative in the Northern Territory. Since travel was a large cost driver, a regional hub in Central Australia for trainers would likely reduce costs. Constructing a cost model allows planners to test the impact of changes to variables in ways that reflect a diversity of “real world” conditions and can suggest opportunities for cost savings in future evolutions of the model. Future workforce development initiatives should capture economic and financial costs, to enable cost effectiveness analyses and allocation of scarce health resources to best promote growth of the First Nations health workforce in the Northern Territory.

Sarah Brown

Oral Presentation Title:

Data: not the be all and end all in remote Australia

Abstract:
Show

How WAPHA leverages stakeholder consultation to validate or challenge quantitative findings, identify knowledge gaps and document critical local nuances.
How WAPHA engages evolving technologies to collect and embed real time intelligence in health workforce planning, health needs assessments and service planning.
Formalised methodologies WAPHA uses to leverage local intelligence in health planning and service commissioning.
How a new methodology for estimating chronic disease prevalence across WA needed to exclude some geographies due to a lack of reliable or representative data (NB would require WAPHA approval to share externally).

Tyrone Brownley

Biography:
Show

Tyrone is a proud Wangkatha and Ngaanyatjarra man from the Western Desert who is based in the traditional lands of the Madduwongga tribe of the Wangkatha nation; the heart of Karlkurla (Kalgoorlie-Boulder), Western Australia. Tyrone is currently based with Curtin University's - Goldfields University Department of Rural Health, and as a Registered Nurse for the past nine-years specialising in Critical Care Nursing, Primary Health Care and Aboriginal Health. Tyrone has witnessed and experienced the ongoing challenges Aboriginal peoples continue to face in the healthcare sector, and being rural and/or remote.

Poster Title:

In the classroom and beyond: Transforming the understanding of Aboriginal health and wellbeing, beliefs and practices

Abstract:
Show

Brownley, T., Masongo, C., Doolan-Noble, F. Aim To understand the impact of the classroom and experiential learning provided to nursing and allied health students in relation to Aboriginal health and wellbeing; their beliefs, values and practices. Objectives 1.To assess changes in health science students' knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal health and wellbeing and cultural values, beliefs and practices before and after an educational intervention. 2.To evaluate how experiential learning opportunities influence students' personal attitudes toward culturally safe healthcare practices for Aboriginal communities. Methods A mixed methods approach was taken to understanding the students’ experiences. Students complete an online pre and post survey as well as participating in either a focus group or interview at the end of their clinical placement, providing a more granular understanding of their self-rated scores within the survey. Results Descriptive analysis of the pre-post survey data shows that students felt that their knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal health and wellbeing improved as did their understanding of Aboriginal practices, values and beliefs. So, while students self-report improvements across these two domains, what facilitated the change? Analysis of the narrative data helped us to understand how their clinical placement, time with the Aboriginal Cultural Liaison and cultural co-curricular activities the GUDRH support, influenced their reported improvement. Participant 9 commented: ‘We got to have that day on country and also on orientation day, spending some time with the [Aboriginal liaison officer] and their family as well. We learned a lot about Indigenous culture, specifically in Kalgoorlie as well’. This quote illustrates the impact of experiential learning and how the integration of Indigenous knowledge systems into orientation frameworks can enhance participants' ability to recognize and respect cultural protocols. The next quote highlights how interactions while on placement impacted students understanding of the complexity and intersectionality of issues impact the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people in the Goldfields. ‘“…Having to, dig deep and go, ‘Hang on, you know, they've grown up in a very different environment, and also [they] do not have the same entitlements and privileges that I've had growing up …And I suppose the intergenerational trauma that's all in there, that's a distrust of health workers, people, anybody really, that's not from their own tribe or from their own mob. It's given me a raised awareness about how deep this issue, this problem runs.” – Participant 5 Conclusion The combination of data has allowed the GUDRH to understand how the cultural learning provided via the Aboriginal Cultural Liaison, cultural experiential learning opportunities and the students’ clinical placement experience provides students with a ‘cultural compass’, supporting them to engage more authentically with their patients and clients.

Annie Bygrave

Lightning Talk Title:

Supervisory rotational model for specialist dermatology training in the Top End NT

Abstract:
Show

Aims: To implement a supervisory rotational model for specialist training in Top End Northern Territory (NT) by leveraging federal and territory funding to deliver quality training experience and multidisciplinary dermatology service. Context Intervention: Australia faces a national health workforce shortage, particularly in regional and rural areas. By leveraging our ability to lead and implement workforce solutions, the Australasian College of Dermatologists (ACD) focuses efforts on trialling innovative models that build capacity, capability, quality and sustainability of specialist dermatologist training, contributing to the delivery of quality healthcare to communities when and where they need it. Through this model, a small, dedicated pool of dermatology consultants was established to add supervisory capacity to Royal Darwin, Katherine and Gove Hospitals. This enabled the expansion in trainee-accompanied local and outreach services including to First Nations communities, private practice exposure, research and broader workforce education and capacity building. At project commencement, demand significantly outstripped supply, with only one permanent dermatologist and one trainee providing both public, private and outreach services to Top End NT. The risk of clinician burnout was high, threatening the sustainability of training and the limited dermatology services in the region. Findings: The model successfully increased supervisor capacity, sustainability and service delivery, with potential for transferability across other geographic locations and specialties. Outcomes delivered include (but not limited to):

Delivery of dermatology care to remote and First Nations communities – some receiving care in place for the first time.
Establishment of multidisciplinary connections between tertiary dermatology departments and remote healthcare workers, providing ongoing care and support for remote communities, thus reducing the need to travel for care.
Expansion and sustainability of dermatology training, positioning NT as a leading, sought-after training site and helping build local workforce.

Conclusion: The success of this model demonstrates that to address the complex issue of workforce shortage a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach is needed. A key component of the model’s success was ACD’ s ability to act as the nexus, bringing together federal and state/territory government funding and key stakeholders to establish an innovative and sustainable specialist training and care delivery model that challenges the status quo and supports the longer-term goal of attracting and retaining regional health workforce.

Tilly Byrne-Kirk

Biography:
Show

Tilly Byrne-Kirk is a Health Promotion Officer and Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) working with the Healthy Communities team at South West Hospital and Health Service (SWHHS). With a background in nutrition, Tilly is passionate about improving health outcomes in rural and remote communities through practical, community-driven initiatives. She has led the implementation and evaluation of the Pick of the Crop (POTC) program in SWHHS, a statewide initiative aimed at increasing fruit and vegetable consumption among primary school children. Despite the absence of dedicated funding or coordination roles in the region, Tilly has worked collaboratively with schools, local stakeholders, and Health and Wellbeing Queensland to support program delivery across six shires. Her recent work includes a RE-AIM evaluation of the POTC program, identifying key enablers and barriers to implementation and sustainability in rural settings. Tilly is committed to building capacity in rural health promotion and translating evidence into action.

Lightning Talk Title:

Evaluating the Implementation of Pick of the Crop in South West Queensland: A RE-AIM Framework Approach

Abstract:
Show

Background: Pick of the Crop (POTC) is a statewide initiative led by Health and Wellbeing Queensland (HWQld) aimed at increasing fruit and vegetable intake among primary school children. While most regions have dedicated coordinators, the South West Hospital and Health Service (SWHHS) delivers the program through its existing Healthy Communities team without dedicated funding. This evaluation aimed to assess the implementation and sustainability of POTC in SWHHS using the RE-AIM framework. Methods: A mixed-methods RE-AIM evaluation was conducted using quantitative and qualitative data from school action plans, HC team service statistics, HWQld reports, and interviews with staff and stakeholders (n=7). Data were mapped to the five RE-AIM dimensions: Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance. Findings: Reach: School participation increased from 37% in 2023 to 81% in 2025, reaching over 1,650 students across all six shires. Schools represented a broad socio-educational range (ICSEA 725–994), with First Nations enrolments ranging from 0% to 61%. Effectiveness: Survey and activity data indicated improved student awareness of fruit and vegetables and high satisfaction among teachers. Adoption: Key barriers included limited teaching staff, high staff turnover, and administrative burden. Enablers included strong school champions and community engagement. Implementation: All participating schools engaged with all five core components of POTC, with activities ranging from school gardens to curriculum integration and community partnerships. Maintenance: While schools remain engaged, sustainability is threatened by the lack of Year 3 funding and the administrative requirement to renew action plans annually. Schools with expired paperwork are not reflected in HWQld’s records, despite ongoing participation, creating a disconnect in program reporting. Conclusion: The RE-AIM evaluation highlights the success of the Healthy Communities team in expanding and embedding POTC in SWHHS despite structural and funding limitations. However, long-term sustainability requires dedicated funding, streamlined administrative processes, and improved data capture to ensure continued recognition and support for engaged schools.

C

Kim Casburn

Biography:
Show

Kim Casburn has substantial senior leadership, health promotion, community development, program management and service improvement experience in Australia and the UK and joined Royal Far West (RFW) in 2014. Over the years, Kim has held several roles at RFW, including overseeing the expansion of telehealth across multiple services and leading research, service innovation and academic partnerships. In her current role as General Manager, Kim leads a large multidisciplinary team delivering allied health services via telehealth and in community in over 200 schools and early learning environments across rural and remote NSW, Qld, Vic and WA. Prior to joining RFW, Kim held leadership positions in government and not- for-profit organisations, such as ACT Health, Asthma UK and the National Stroke Foundation, where she established and managed a state-wide prevention program in over 700 community pharmacies. Kim holds a Master of Health Development, a Bachelor of Community Education and a Mini MBA.

Poster Title:

Scaling Allied Health Services: Lessons from Rural and Remote Schools and Early Education

Abstract:
Show

Context Improving the educational and wellbeing outcomes of children in rural and remote school communities requires strong local partnerships, a specialised workforce, and technological capacity. In response, we have developed, scaled and independently evaluated an innovative allied health service delivered by a team of 60+ allied health professionals via telehealth and in-community. Aims and methods In 2024 Royal Far West commissioned Dandolo Partners to evaluate its Schools and Early Years (S&EYs) service, a multi-tiered service model based on the Response to Intervention framework. Using mixed methods to assess the effectiveness of the S&EYs service, the evaluation was structured using a theory of change describing the rationale and logic of the S&EYs service. Data collection included analysis of clinical outcomes and output data from 126 participating schools and ECECs, satisfaction surveys with parents/carers and educators, and stakeholder interviews. Findings The findings confirmed the S&EYs service has improved outcomes for children and families, highlighting several design and implementation factors that contributed to its effectiveness. Over 88% of children achieved or exceeded their primary therapy goal, helping them engage more meaningfully with their school, family, and community. This led to better classroom participation and improved social interaction with peers. Parents/carers and educators gained valuable knowledge and strategies to support children with additional needs, improving family wellbeing and increasing the capability of the broader teaching community. The evaluation identified key factors relating to the service model design, workforce and supporting infrastructure which enabled scalability whilst ensuring program fidelity remained intact.

Delivering allied health intervention through schools and ECEC services presents a range of challenges. RFW has adapted the S&EYs service over time to better address these challenges, including restructuring our multidisciplinary team (MDT) to align with specific regions, fostering deeper and more consistent community relationships.
The service model and delivery aligns with Early Childhood Australia Best Practice Principles, including being ‘evidence based, data driven’ and ‘responsive to schools needs and capacity’. Embedding these principles took time as the service and organisation matured.
The evolution of support systems, infrastructure and a highly flexible workforce, underpinned by technology, has increased engagement and efficiency over time.

Conclusion RFWs success in scaling this service over the last decade demonstrates that hybrid service delivery models can open up access to life changing supports in even the most remote communities. However, it is the quality of relationships and the underpinning flexibility of the model that is key. Furthermore, infrastructure, technology and governance are critical to scaling models such as RFW’s S&EYs service. This requires considerable up-front investment and a long-term, organization-wide commitment. This comprehensive approach has proven instrumental in delivering educational and wellbeing outcomes for rural and remote children. “[S&EYs} has provided opportunities for our students to access services they would have had to be on a long waiting list for or simply could not afford. We have marveled at the impact and difference it has made to our kids lives. RFW also provides invaluable teacher capacity building and support that is immeasurable in its impact – Principal, remote school, Vic

Dr Louise Causer

Biography:
Show

Dr Causer is a medical epidemiologist and senior lecturer at the Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney and Lead for the Decentralised Diagnostics Implementation Research Group. She is the Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) lead for the First Nations Molecular Point of Care Testing Program for infectious diseases in regional and remote First Nations health services. Her research focuses on the evaluation and scale-up of point-of-care diagnostic tests to improve the control and management of infectious diseases.

Lightning Talk Title:

Improving equitable access to STI testing in remote: a new funding model

Abstract:
Show

Background: For over a decade, the First Nations Molecular Point-of-Care (POC) Testing Program has supported decentralised, community-led testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in remote primary care clinics nationally. A new Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item became available in November 2024 which subsidises eligible STI POC testing and reimburses the remote health service claiming the rebate. We evaluated recent STI POC testing uptake in the context of this new funding approach. Methods: Using publicly available data from 1 November 2023 to 31 March 2025, we evaluated trends in (i) monthly STI POC testing for chlamydia, gonorrhoea and trichomonas (stratified by sex, age group, jurisdiction, service type) and (ii) MBS item claims for eligible tests (both CT/NG and TV POC tests, valid results, performed at health services enrolled in and adherent to Program requirements, located in MM6-7 settings). Results: At end of March 2025, 73 clinics were enrolled in STI POC testing (58 in MM6 -7 and 15 in MM2-5; 61 Aboriginal community-controlled and 12 government-managed). A total of 10,635 valid patient STI POC tests were performed over the evaluation period, with a significant increasing trend in monthly testing (p=0.034); most apparent in Western Australia (p=0.0006). Increasing trends were observed in women and men, and all age groups. There were 950 MBS claims processed from 1 November 2024 to 31 March 2025; 596 for women (62.7%) and 354 for men (37.3%). Most claims were in 15–34-year-olds (n=687;72.3%%). Monthly claims increased 3.1-fold (74 to 225) in initial 5 months. Conclusions: Findings suggest a sustained increase in STI POC testing over past 18 months, particularly in some remote settings. Increasing numbers of Medicare claims is promising and may be encouraging the observed trend. Expanding claims eligibility to include testing conducted in peri-urban and regional settings would support more equitable access for all First Nations peoples.

Megan Cavill

Biography:
Show

A credentialed pharmacist with a Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science, Master of Pharmacy and Diploma in Community Services. Awarded University Medal for Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science at Griffith University. Has extensive experience living and working as a remote Pharmacist in the Kimberley and across the NT. Passionate about advocating for improved Primary Health Care outcomes for residents of remote communities, and standardising how Pharmacists are integrated into Primary Health Care teams in remote health centres.

Lightning Talk Title:

From Audit to Action: Demonstrating the Critical Role of Remote Area Pharmacists in Medicines Management

Abstract:
Show

Over the last 3 years, drug storage room audits conducted across multiple remote health centres in the Northern Territory have highlighted systemic medication management issues that compromise patient safety and drive significant medication wastage. These findings underscore the critical need for Remote Area Pharmacists to be embedded within primary health care teams in remote Australia. Audit evidence has demonstrated the importance of pharmacist presence and highlighted the importance of a nationally standardised approach that embeds Pharmacists as core members of remote multidisciplinary teams. Remote Area Pharmacists are trained to deliver pharmacy services tailored to meet the needs of remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander communities. They support medication reconciliation, cold chain management, contribute to medication education of clinic staff members at remote health centres, and provide culturally appropriate patient care and communication to patients regarding their medications. Recognising pharmacists as core team members in primary health care teams in remote communities is critical in achieving equitable healthcare access and closing the gap.

Cassandra Clayforth

Biography:
Show

Cassandra Clayforth is the Regional Education Manager at Cancer Council WA. She comes from a varied mix of health-related roles. These have included working in tertiary education, epidemiological cancer research, clinical trials and various health promotion roles in her 18-year history with Cancer Council WA. For the last ten years Cassandra has been managing Cancer Council’ WA's Regional Education Team and oversees the cancer symptom awareness program for regional Western Australians, called Find Cancer Early.

Lightning Talk Title:

Successes of an early diagnosis campaign delivered in regional Western Australia.

Abstract:
Show

Background: People living in regional Australia have lower rates of five-year survival for all cancers combined, compared with people living in major cities. Early detection remains an important part of secondary prevention because when a cancer is diagnosed at an earlier stage it means treatment is generally more effective, less complex and less expensive. Screening and early diagnosis are both considered forms of early detection. Screening aims to identify unrecognised or precancerous lesions in a healthy, asymptomatic population of people. National cancer screening programs are delivered throughout Western Australia but have some challenges due to the size of the state and its climate. Meanwhile, early diagnosis is identifying cancer early in people who have symptoms. Since 2011, Cancer Council WA has been delivering an early diagnosis campaign called Find Cancer Early (FCE), which encourages people aged over 40 in regional Western Australia to see a doctor early if they notice cancer symptoms. Methods: The last two years of the FCE campaign have featured personal stories from an Aboriginal woman and a non-Aboriginal man, imploring audience members to “give yourself the best chance” of a good outcome by seeing a doctor early if you have symptoms. Cancer Council WA’s external Aboriginal Advisory Group were consulted with the development of campaign materials, in addition to the advertisements being tested with 193 regional Western Australians aged over 40. The 2024 and 2025 ‘Give yourself the best chance’ campaign evaluations consisted of online cross-sectional surveys (n=1248 and n=749 respectively) to regional Western Australians aged over 40 to assess campaign awareness, symptom knowledge, intention to see a doctor quickly and time taken to see a doctor if experiencing a symptom. Results: The 2024 FCE evaluation showed that 70% of survey respondents either recalled or recognised a ‘Give yourself the best chance’ advertisement, and 78% were aware of any Find Cancer Early campaign element, when prompted. Also, when prompted, more than nine in ten respondents correctly identified each of the three symptoms in the advertisements – blood in poo (95%), blood in pee (92%) and coughing up blood (94%). Over one third (36%) of respondents said they had experienced an unusual change to their body in the last six months that they thought could be cancer, and 79% of these saw a doctor or health professional about it. Of those who had seen a doctor, 14% visited their doctor in less than one week and 52% visited their doctor in one to four weeks. Conclusion: This presentation will report on the 2024 and 2025 evaluation results of the FCE ‘Give yourself the best chance’ campaign. This symptom awareness public education campaign to assist in early diagnosis was developed with stakeholder feedback and can be translated into other rural or remote settings.

Caitlin Craner

Biography:
Show

Caitlin Craner graduated from Charles Sturt University in 2003 and has worked as a Senior Speech Pathologist at the Child Development Service, Townsville Hospital and Health Service (THHS), for the last 16 years. Caitlin is a founding member of the THHS Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Diagnostic Clinic and has most recently been working in a Clinical Intake role, focussing on building community awareness of FASD within THHS, and supporting understanding of local diagnostic services across sectors. Caitlin has a strong clinical interest in the areas of Autism and FASD and completed a Graduate Certificate in Aboriginal Studies in 2017.

Lightning Talk Title:

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder – Effective Diagnostic Formulation on a Shoestring Budget

Abstract:
Show

Background Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a highly prevalent non-genetic developmental disability impacting a range of neurodevelopmental domains. Diagnosis requires input from a multidisciplinary team (including allied health and medical practitioners). Health service resource limitations frequently result in under-diagnosis, or misdiagnosis of FASD, and can impact timely and appropriate access to intervention and supports. Context Townsville Hospital and Health Service (THHS) encompasses regional, rural and remote communities, and like many health services, has limited resources available to provide direct assessment for children with suspected FASD. THHS also recognises that children with suspected FASD frequently interface with a wide range of other agencies (including education providers, mental health services and private practice), and that relevant collateral can often be sourced from these agencies, and utilised by a multidisciplinary clinical team, to inform diagnostic formulation. THHS, in partnership with the Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN), have implemented a model of care aimed at enhancing the capacity of existing services across the region to undertake assessments for children with suspected FASD. Services are supported by a multidisciplinary team that provide guidance and recommendations for diagnostic formulation. Method A formal service evaluation was undertaken by Griffith University to explore the accessibility, effectiveness and sustainability of the model of care. The evaluation used mixed methods, including quantitative online, anonymous surveys and qualitative interviews. Service-level data was also audited to report on short-term outcomes. Results Outcomes of the evaluation identified high levels of family satisfaction with the model of care, increased clinician confidence in supporting children with suspected FASD and high rates of diagnostic formulation (with over 300 formulations completed between 2019 and 2024). The evaluation noted other strengths including enhanced access to local specialist services, efficient utilisation of a limited clinical resource to meet community needs, effective stakeholder partnerships and the delivery of high-quality health outcomes. Conclusion The THHS/NQPHN FASD service is dedicated to identifying, assessing, and diagnosing FASD in children across THHS. The service enables access to high quality FASD diagnostic support services, integrating collateral from key stakeholders to inform diagnostic formulation outcomes. This innovative model has successfully built capacity within and across existing services, enabling timely assessments and diagnosis of FASD without extensive additional resourcing. It also demonstrates that high-quality FASD diagnostic services can be effectively delivered in regional, rural, and remote areas, even where resources are limited.

Jennifer Cullen

Oral Presentation Title:

Staff perspectives of a care-to-community pathway for Indigenous women with traumatic brain injury from violence

Abstract:
Show

Background Emergency departments (EDs) are critical points for the identification, management, and treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women who have presented with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) from violence. The aim of the study was to identify and describe the qualities and resources critical to the care, support, and treatment of these women from the perspectives of ED staff in a regional hospital in Queensland (Australia). Methods Using purposeful and snowballing sampling, 24 health professionals (including Indigenous hospital liaison officers and Aboriginal health workers, nursing, medical, and allied health staff) were recruited to participate in the study. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted to develop an in-depth understanding of the resources and responses required to provide accessible and acceptable healthcare and treatment. Interviews were analyzed using a thematic analysis technique. Results Analysis of the data identified four key healthcare requirements for this population: (1) development of a formalized pathway for head injury and family violence; (2) providing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women with a timely acute care-to-community pathway; (3) resourcing hospital and community-based service providers for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and their children; and (4) improving communication and responses from health professional capacity building and high-quality training and education for healthcare professionals. High-level education and training for ED healthcare professionals was viewed as essential to equip all health professionals with the skills to identify the signs of TBI and family violence. Coordinated care through specialized workers, combined with a family-violence and TBI pathway, was seen as essential to support clear referral pathways and ensure the hospital and service systems provide a consistent response for all women. Greater investment in hospital and community-based accommodation and after-hours social and cultural service provision were also recommended. Conclusions This study provides some initial suggestions for developing an approach to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to receive a consistent and holistic response to address their health, cultural, and social needs. Greater research investment is needed to develop a deeper understanding of how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women who sustain violence-related TBI experience the ED and their solutions for ensuring healthcare responses address their needs and priorities.

D

Karrina DeMasi

Biography:
Show

Karrina DeMasi is the Project Manager, Aboriginal Women's Cardiovascular Research, with The Kids Research Institute Australia. Based on Kaurna country, Adelaide, moving several years ago from Larrakia land. Karrina is a Registered Nurse and Midwife with over 35 years’ experience in Aboriginal health including an extensive period working in ACCHS sector, ranging from Aboriginal education teaching Aboriginal Health Practitioners and RNs, managing Chronic Disease teams, the Heart Foundation, the RFDS, and more recently as the Senior Public Health Policy Officer with AMSANT (Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance NT). Karrina holds Post graduate qualification in Public Health, Sexual health, child health, Clinical Nursing, Education and Vocational training. Karrina is committed to health equity and self- determination through education, research and advocacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities. "

Oral Presentation Title:

Powerful Nunga mums, strong healthy Bibi and families- Regional and remote perspectives

Abstract:
Show

Aim: To develop and initiate implementation of a culturally responsive model of care to improve health outcomes of Aboriginal women experiencing cardiometabolic conditions throughout the maternal health journey in SA. The focus is on building upon regional and remote Aboriginal women’s knowledge of health, wellbeing and expressed health priorities. Context: Hyperglycaemia, hypertension, and underlying cardiovascular disease during pregnancy (collectively, cardiometabolic complications) are associated with adverse pregnancy and perinatal outcomes for mother and baby in the short-term, and increased risk of cardiometabolic complications later in life for which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women experience disproportionate burden. Across cardiometabolic health interventions, focus on physical disease alone excludes cultural, social and emotional wellbeing as foundations for lifelong health for Aboriginal women and babies.Aboriginal women experiencing cardiometabolic conditions during their maternal health journey require health systems that are structurally equipped to provide culturally safe and responsive care. We outline the development and early implementation of a model of care informed by strong Aboriginal governance, leadership and the personal and professional expertise of Aboriginal women working on the frontline. Method: The model was co-designed with Aboriginal women (n=19) who have personal or professional experience in cardiometabolic complications in pregnancy. Governance was provided through Aboriginal women leaders in health and research. Through sharing stories, iterative workshops informed its development. Subsequently, Aboriginal health maternal and chronic disease health leaders and service providers across SA (n=20) identified 3 priority areas for early implementation. Findings : The model outlines a comprehensive approach to support women, families and health professionals across the maternal health journey. It incorporates a conceptual framework, the vision and principles, 55 actionable recommendations across 19 priority areas and 8 systems enablers for improving maternal and child health outcomes. The model explores the barriers and enablers within culturally safe systems and workforce, strong supported Aboriginal workforce, social and emotional wellbeing, accommodation and travel supports, nutrition, information, resources and education, peer support, choice, control and consent, supporting women and families considered high risk and key priorities across the maternal pregnancy journey. Short-term implementation focuses on workforce knowledge of cardiometabolic complications and culturally safe approaches to care provision, Aboriginal workforce support, safe birthing spaces and a regional pilot. This model highlights the regional and remote voice for Aboriginal women and Aboriginal workforce considerations calling for broader system reforms based on the evidence informed model to ensure equitable outcomes for mothers and babies Evaluation Evaluation is ongoing, with a framework developed that draws on Aboriginal ways of working, Aboriginal women’s identified outcomes, and systems-change approaches. Conclusion: The model demonstrates integration of regional and remote Aboriginal women’s narratives and knowledges into care systems to address cardiometabolic health disparities. It serves as a framework for culturally responsive healthcare design and delivery, recognising the need for culturally safe systems and spaces, and evidence-based, condition-specific coordination, care and support and knowledge for women. Implementation of this model will provide safe, equitable care for Aboriginal women and their babies, respecting and integrating Aboriginal ways of knowing, being and doing.

Dr Sari Dewi

Lightning Talk Title:

Strategies and Effectiveness of Antimicrobial Stewardship in Residential Aged Care Homes in Rural Settings: Scoping Review

Abstract:
Show

Background Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) programs contribute significantly to combat antimicrobial resistance and improve prescribing practices, including in Residential Aged Care Homes (RACHs). However, implementation in rural settings remains limited and under-researched. Rural RACHs face unique challenges, including workforce shortages, limited access to infectious disease expertise, and socio-cultural diversity. This scoping review synthesises evidence on AMS interventions in RACHs, with a focus on rural applicability and policy implications. Method A scoping review was conducted, following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, including searches of databases like PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. Studies were included if they examined AMS interventions in RACHs located in rural settings for populations aged over 60. AMS strategies reported in published studies were mapped against the United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Core Elements for Nursing Homes. A two-step screening was employed, and data were extracted to identify common strategies, barriers, and gaps. Issues in relation to rural settings and socio-demographic diversity were specifically sought after. Results There were only four studies of 179 included studies reported the geographic location of their RACHs. All studies reported educational programs as the most AMS elements employed focus on improving knowledge and skills, both healthcare workers and residents/their families, however, the effectiveness of such programs was not reported. Key enablers include sustained educational programs, interprofessional collaboration, and resident/family involvement. Yet, rural-specific barriers—such as limited access to trained staff, diagnostic tools, and digital infrastructure were also reported. None of these studies addressed culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) patients, Indigenous populations or other socio-demographic attributes. Conclusions AMS implementation in rural RACHs requires tailored, context-sensitive strategies. Our findings suggest limited evidence examining social, cultural, personal, and geographical influences on AMS processes or outcomes. Future research should prioritise rural and underserved populations, explore long-term sustainability, and evaluate cost-effectiveness to inform equitable and effective AMS policy and practice in aged care.

Background: Women experience high rates of head injuries as a result of violence. This study explored the workforce barriers that affect access to healthcare and assessment for a potential traumatic brain injury for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women as an outcome of family violence in remote Australia. Method: Semi-structured interviews and discussion groups were conducted with 28 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women community members as well as 90 professionals from health, housing and disability services as well as specialised family violence and legal services working in the Northern Territory and Queensland. Interviews and discussion groups were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: While service workers described high ‘suspected head injury’ among the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women clients they work with and support, very few women had been assessed for traumatic brain injury. Various workforce barriers prevent pre-screening and assessment including limited access to specialist neuropsychology services and stable remote primary health care professionals with remote expertise. There were also low levels of training and knowledge among community-based service providers of traumatic brain injury. While some service professionals were able to address some of the system barriers, lack of healthcare and assessment generated uncertainty for service providers about how to support and respond to their clients’ needs. Other factors that influenced when and how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women access healthcare for potential traumatic brain injury following violence included potential contact with the child protection system, fear of escalating violence, prioritisation of other competing demands, and low levels of knowledge awareness of traumatic brain injury. Conclusions: Needs-based investment in the primary healthcare and specialist service systems together with professional training on head injury would benefit how systems in remote areas respond through a more integrated approach to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women following family violence. There is a need for further research to understand how assessment, screening and follow-up care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women is best implemented into remote settings.

Oral Presentation Title:

Staff perspectives of a care-to-community pathway for Indigenous women with traumatic brain injury from violence

Abstract:
Show

Prof Tracy Flenady

Biography:
Show

Professor Tracy Flenady is a senior academic leader and health researcher with a national reputation in clinical deterioration, nursing research, and research capacity building in rural and regional health services. She currently serves as the Deputy Dean Research in the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Sciences at CQUniversity Australia. Tracy is the founding architect of the Research Ready Program (RRP), a nationally recognised initiative designed to support clinician-led research in rural and remote contexts. Over the past decade, she has led the development, implementation, and evaluation of research programs that have engaged hundreds of clinicians and produced measurable improvements in healthcare practice and workforce capability. Her research interests span patient safety, clinical early warning systems, and workforce development through mentoring and co-designed research education. Tracy has published widely in peer-reviewed journals, authored book chapters, and served on numerous advisory panels and review committees across academia and health services. She has secured over $1.5 million in competitive research funding and is a sought-after mentor and supervisor

Oral Presentation Title:

Research Ready: A Scalable Model for Rural Health Research Capacity Building

Abstract:
Show

Background Clinician-led research in rural and remote settings is essential to generating contextually relevant evidence that informs healthcare practice. However, persistent barriers—including limited research support, expertise, and protected time—impede clinician engagement. The Research Ready Program (RRP)—formerly the Research Ready Grant Program—was developed in regional Queensland to address these challenges through a structured, staged approach to building research capability. Over the past nine years, RRP has engaged more than 500 rural clinicians, supporting the development and implementation of over 50 small-scale, practice-relevant research projects. Its success has led to expansion and rebranding into a flexible, scalable model for other rural and remote health services. Methods RRP is a structured, three-pathway research capacity-building initiative designed to support clinicians across the research continuum—from early exposure to independent project leadership. Developed in partnership with CQUniversity Australia, Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service, and The University of Queensland Rural Clinical School, the program builds a sustainable and embedded research culture within health services. Pathway One, Research Ready Clinicians, introduces foundational research concepts through interactive workshops. Pathway Two, the Research Ready Grant Program, supports the operationalisation of research proposals with funding and mentorship. Pathway Three, the Research Ready Sustainability Program, consolidates research capability through advanced training, including academic writing, literature review, and project management. Program delivery is embedded within local contexts and co-designed with health service partners, with tailored support from proposal development to ethics and dissemination. Results Since its inception, RRP has supported 51 funded clinician-led projects, many of which have led to measurable service improvements or peer-reviewed publications. Clinicians report increased research confidence and capability, and participating services show signs of cultural change with growing recognition of the value of research. The program has been scaled across multiple Hospital and Health Services and is underpinned by partnerships with regional universities. Internal evaluations demonstrate improved self-reported research skills, enhanced research outputs, and strengthened cross-site learning. Conclusion The Research Ready Program offers a practical, flexible model for building and sustaining clinician-led research in rural health contexts. It provides a clear pipeline from research idea to implementation, embedding mentorship, partnership, and strategic alignment. With demonstrated outcomes and expanding reach, RRP presents a scalable framework for embedding research into everyday clinical practice across rural and remote settings.

Poster Title:

Bridging Boundaries: Insights from a University–Health Service Research Partnership

Abstract:
Show

Background Effective research capacity building in healthcare settings relies on strong, authentic partnerships between universities and health services. The Research Ready Grant Program (RRGP) is a long-standing collaborative initiative designed to empower regional clinicians through research training, mentorship, and project support. This study explores stakeholder experiences to identify the enablers and challenges of co-designing and sustaining an effective research capacity building program across sectors. Methods A qualitative descriptive design was used. Ten key stakeholders involved in RRGP design, delivery, or governance completed an online survey exploring their perspectives on engagement, collaboration, and program delivery. Data were thematically analysed using Braun and Clarke’s framework, and findings were aligned with Levels 3 and 4 of the Kirkpatrick Model (behaviour change and outcomes). Results Four major themes emerged: (1) Rules of Engagement—the need for transparent roles, shared expectations, and clear communication; (2) Authentic Design for Real-World Problems—embedding research in clinical priorities to foster meaningful impact; (3) Centralised Information—the importance of streamlined, accessible platforms to support collaboration; and (4) Operational Roadblocks—challenges related to time, workload, and organisational readiness. Participants highlighted the necessity of trust, shared decision-making, and aligned goals to optimise collaboration. Conclusion Authentic co-design between universities and health services is essential to delivering research capacity building programs that are relevant, sustainable, and impactful. The RRGP offers a replicable model for regional healthcare settings, demonstrating how clinician-led research can be supported through strong cross-sector partnerships. Key learnings include the importance of codified expectations, investment in communication infrastructure, and managerial support for research engagement.

Natasha Franklin

Biography:
Show

Natasha is an Associate Professor at Charles Darwin University, within the Faculty of Health and School of Nursing & Midwifery. Her academic career spans over 15 years, during which she has enjoyed teaching health research and supervising Masters and PhD students. With a clinical background in Critical Care, Natasha has held various clinical and educational roles across Central Australia. In 2019, she earned her PhD in Epidemiology & Public Health from Monash University in collaboration with the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute. Her doctoral research focused on assessing the burden and impact of malnutrition in regional and remote hospitals, leading to the creation of the first validated malnutrition screening tool for Aboriginal Australian patients. Natasha's research includes collaborations with dietitians, further enriching her contributions to the field.

Oral Presentation Title:

Malignant Malnutrition: Tracking the Health and Economic Footprint on Regional-Remote Hospitals

Abstract:
Show

Tracking the Health and Economic Footprint on Regional-Remote Hospitals Background: Malnutrition is highly prevalent in patients with chronic and multi-morbidity. In 2018, a prospective cohort study found that just 42 percent of medical inpatients were malnourished. Hospitals are required to meet the National Safety and Quality Health Care Service Comprehensive Care Standard through nutrition policies and procedures to screen and manage malnutrition in hospital inpatients. Despite this, the long-term health burden and economic impact of malnutrition are not fully understood. Before electronic medical record systems, studies have shown malnutrition coding to be poor, with less than 5 percent of malnourished patients coded. The objective of this study is to understand the malignancy of malnutrition from both a health burden and economic impact perspective. Methods: This is a retrospective longitudinal cohort study measuring the health outcomes and malnutrition coding of patients admitted into one or more of the six regional, remote and very remote public hospitals within the Northern Territory. Participants from the original prospective cohort study were selected as permanent residents of the Northern Territory. Participant outcomes were measured from their original index admission to census date at 8 years. Participants with an original assessment of ‘malnourished’ or an assessment of ‘nourished’ were categorised to compare health outcomes and to assess whether malnutrition was coded or not (2014-15 to 2022-23). Results: The full results of this study will be presented. A total of 399 eligible participants will be included in the final analysis. Health outcomes included the time to first hospital event, number of emergency presentations, number of hospital inpatient admissions, total length of hospital stay, survival status, frequency of malnutrition-coded admissions, and coded inpatient dietitian services. The Independent Hospital Pricing Authority was used to determine the National Efficient Price for activity-based funding for inpatient admissions, emergency, same-day procedures, and outpatient specialist service. Price-weighted adjustments were made for remoteness, Indigenous, emergency care, intensive care admissions, and dialysis according to the National Efficient Price determination year. Conclusion: This is a unique study reporting the health and economic burden and impact of malignant malnutrition for the first time. The findings from this study will offer important insights into the chronic and malignant outcomes of malnutrition. The findings from this study will provide evidence to shape the reform of malnutrition coding practices to maximise hospital activity-based funding and provide essential hospital dietitian services to ensure that the National Safety and Quality Health Care Comprehensive Care Service Standard is met.

G

Demi Gertig

Poster Title:

Innovative Solutions to Address Maldistribution in Optometry: Responding to National Workforce Insights

Abstract:
Show

Background Recent research, including Optometry Australia’s 2025 Workforce Projections Study and the preliminary findings of a national optometry workforce conditions survey led by Flinders University, highlights the urgent need for coordinated, innovative strategies to achieve a sustainable, resilient workforce capable of meeting Australia’s eye care needs into the future. One of these strategies, as identified by Optometry Australia, is to advocate for evidence-backed, innovative initiatives which seek to address the longstanding challenge of maldistribution in Australia’s optometry workforce, which is characterised by a significant undersupply in rural and remote regions despite a predicted national oversupply in urban centres by 2040. Our consideration to date has identified intertwined practitioner and patient barriers — including professional isolation, limited career development, heavy workloads, and geographic and financial obstacles — which, together, exacerbate inequities in service provision across Modified Monash Model (MMM) locations. These must be addressed in order to ensure optometry is positioned to meet true population needs as we progress towards 2040 – especially when accounting for chronic disease burden, ageing demographics and inequities in access to care. Aims This poster presentation explores how evidence-based, innovative interventions can address maldistribution in optometry, building on national workforce research and insights to create practical pathways for workforce retention, satisfaction, and improved access in rural and remote communities. Methods We synthesise quantitative and qualitative findings from national datasets, surveys, and peer-reviewed studies, examining drivers of workforce maldistribution and barriers to rural practice. We map current and emerging models — including rural admissions and training pathways, outreach services, telehealth innovations, and professional support networks — against known gaps and opportunities. Findings Our analysis reveals that financial incentives alone are insufficient for long-term retention. Instead, successful approaches require:

Strengthening rural education and training pathways, including embedded rural placements, targeted scholarships, and longitudinal mentorship;
Implementing system-wide, collaborative strategies that align education, workforce planning, service delivery, and policy reform.
Expanding the scope and reach of optometry practice through both legislative and regulatory change, and the development of collaborative models of care which maximise cross-professional integration;
Enhancing local workforce support through personalised community integration, social networks, and structured career advancement opportunities;

Conclusions Addressing maldistribution in optometry demands bold, collective action. By combining targeted rural workforce initiatives with system-level reforms and innovative care models, Australia can build a robust, future-ready optometry workforce that ensures equitable access to eye care across all communities. This work offers valuable insights not only for optometry, but for allied health professions broadly, contributing to the national agenda for strengthening rural and remote health services.

Scott Gibbings

Biography:
Show

As Manager of the Allied Health Workforce Unit at Alfred Health, many of Scott’s days involve muesli, riding bikes, writing effectively, piano, behavioural science, American literature, and optimising the wellbeing and growth of people who have chosen to dedicate their lives to improving the lives of our hospital consumers. He grew up in an MMM5 area in South-West WA and remains connected to his rural roots through contributions on the Board of Services for Australian Rural and Remote Allied Health and research that seeks to improve the recruitment, engagement, and retention of the allied health workforce all across Australia.

Lightning Talk Title:

Professional, Personal and Organisational Impacts of an Allied Health Rural Clinical Rotation Program

Abstract:
Show

Background Allied health rural clinical rotations offer allied health professionals opportunities to build their clinical capacity and may assist with the challenges faced by metropolitan and large regional healthcare organisations in the recruitment and retention of staff. This research sought to understand the professional, personal and organisational impacts of the rural clinical rotation program that Alfred Health (Melbourne, Victoria) operates in partnership with Alice Springs Hospital in the Northern Territory. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 Allied Health Professionals from Alfred Health who had participated in a 4–8-month rural clinical rotation to Alice Springs Hospital since 2020. Participants were asked about their expectations and experiences, from professional, personal, and organisational perspectives. Results Preliminary findings suggest that both participants and the two organisations involved in the program reap significant benefits which increase work-based satisfaction and the quality of care provided. For participants, and in-turn their employing (metropolitan) healthcare organisation, these include improved clinical skillsets, clinical confidence, and clinical courage, improved work-life balance, reduced risk of professional burn-out, acceptance of professional limitations and health system challenges, improved cultural competence and patient-centredness of care. For the rural (receiving) healthcare organisation, benefits include surety of high-quality Allied Health workforce with specialised clinical experience, improved clinical workflows and quality improvement inputs, and expansion of professional support networks. Conclusion Rural clinical rotation programs build capability and improve the work experience of participants. They also have positive impacts for both organisations involved. The findings of this research are posited to be transferrable to any similar arrangement that facilitates metropolitan or tertiary hospital-based Allied Health Professionals to be immersed in the variety of unique experiences that come from living and working in rural Australia.

Dr Penelope Gillett

Biography:
Show

Dr Nell Gillett is an Occupational and Environmental Physician with over 20 years’ experience across the mining, oil and gas, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors. She is the Founder and CEO of TiBi Healthcare, a pioneering provider of mobile healthcare solutions in WA. Dr Gillett is a Fellow of the Australasian Faculty of Occupational and Environmental Medicine and is passionate about delivering equitable, high-quality healthcare to under-served populations. Her leadership is grounded in practical service innovation, community co-design, and evidence-informed care models that bridge the urban-rural health divide.

Poster Title:

Bringing Community Health “Beyond Boundaries” with TiBi Healthcare

Abstract:
Show

Background Health inequity remains a significant challenge for the 7 million Australians living in regional and remote areas. These populations face disproportionate rates of chronic disease and premature mortality, compounded by barriers to accessing timely and culturally safe healthcare. Traditional models are hampered by geographic isolation, limited service integration, and persistent workforce shortages. TiBi Healthcare’s Community Mobile Health Solution was established to reduce this gap through a co-designed, place-based health equity model. Method TiBi Healthcare delivers mobile clinics equipped with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT), cardiovascular screening, general health assessments, and allied health services directly to communities. Programs are co-designed in partnership with local health providers, Aboriginal health services, and industry stakeholders to ensure contextual relevance, community trust, and sustainable service integration. The model addresses workforce challenges by leveraging remote diagnostic capability, allied health teams, and telehealth-enabled specialist oversight. Results Initial implementations across Western Australia have increased uptake of preventative screening and reduced community disruption through on-site delivery. Community members reported greater trust and willingness to engage due to the culturally safe and integrated design. The service model improved local workforce capacity by supporting existing services and addressing gaps in imaging and diagnostics. Early disease detection, particularly of heart and lung conditions, has demonstrated measurable public health impact. Conclusions TiBi Healthcare demonstrates how mobile, co-designed models of care can redress geographic health inequities and support workforce limitations through innovative partnerships with industry. The framework provides a scalable solution for early intervention, community engagement, and workforce supplementation, reinforcing that equitable, high-quality healthcare can be effectively delivered wherever people live and work.

Dr Kristen Glenister

Biography:
Show

Dr Kristen Glenister is a Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Rural Health, University of Melbourne based in Wangaratta. Her research interests include rural access to health services, chronic disease, obesity and rural models of care.

Lightning Talk Title:

A detailed investigation into rural health in northern Victoria: Crossroads-II study overview.

Abstract:
Show

Rural Australians are older, have lower incomes and education, with higher rates of chronic disease and less access to health services than urban counterparts. However, the health of rural Australians is often not well understood, as contemporary data regarding patterns of health, disease and access to care are scarce. To address this, a detailed population health study, Crossroads-II, was conducted in the Goulburn Valley, a rural region of Victoria. This study has provided very detailed analyses (published in over 25 papers) but has yet to provide a broad view of the health of residents in this region. Drawing on these detailed data and validated measures, this paper aims to provide an overview of the health of the population in these four towns in the Goulburn Valley. Funded by the NHMRC in partnership with nine rural health services and local governments, Crossroads II surveyed residents from four rural towns in 2016-2018. Households in each town were randomly selected from local government lists and were repeatedly visited in person until at least one resident of the household had provided informed consent and completed the extensive questionnaire. Measures included self-reported health, health behaviours, health service usage, access to services and specific questions about liver health, disability, oral health and mental health. Data were verified and extended in a nested sub-study of randomly selected adult participants in ‘clinics’. Clinic participants were provided with a summary of their health screening and pathology test results. 1,895 households, (2,649 residents), contributed data (61% household response rate) and 747 adults participated in the screening clinic. Analysis found that: self-reported health was similar to the national average; lifestyle behaviours were challenging; use of medical services was high while use of allied health, dental and other services was relatively low. The clinic identified: decreasing undiagnosed diabetes in line with high rates of diabetes screening; high prevalence of metabolic associated liver disease; and high proportions of unmet dental needs associated with a range of dental access barriers. There were distinct differences between the four towns, particularly in access to health services. These data have been used by the study partners to secure funding, to inform further research grant applications, in service planning and for advocacy. Data have also been used internationally in the development of new definitions of metabolic associated liver disease and meta-analyses of hepatitis C prevalence. Findings suggest that while the study population was typical of the Australian population in some ways, this rural population experienced less access to care, low use of non-medical services, poorer health behaviours and higher chronic illness suggesting a greater need for more services in this region, Further, this study demonstrates the value of rigorous research methodology and a partnership approach for providing high quality, utilisable data for the benefit of rural communities. Results have been used by partner organisations to inform service planning and interventions to improve health outcomes for people in the Goulburn Valley, but have also had broad reaching implications for rural health services in general and have had impact internationally.

Georgia Gosse

Oral Presentation Title:

Strengths first: Allied Health Professionals’ Experiences Delivering Rural Paediatric Developmental Care

Abstract:
Show

Background: Children in rural and remote Australia are four times more likely to be developmentally delayed than their urban counterparts. Allied health professionals (AHPs) serve as critical frontline providers in promoting, monitoring and enhancing children’s developmental health. However, rural and remote communities experience persistent and substantial barriers when accessing allied health services, creating a cascade of consequences that extend beyond individual children, to affect families and communities. The absence of timely developmental screening, assessment, and intervention can result in compounding developmental challenges and increased long-term support needs. Despite these well-documented challenges, there is limited research examining how AHPs navigate service delivery in these contexts or research that identifies the strengths and assets that exist within rural and remote healthcare systems. This study aimed to use a strengths-based framework to explore the experience of AHPs delivery developmental and disability care to children across rural and remote South Australia, with a focus on understanding the existing capabilities and aspirational service models. Methods: Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with AHP’s from multiple disciplines, representing South Australian regions classified as Modified Monash Model (MMM) 2–7. An appreciative inquiry framework guided both the development of questions and thematic analysis, with findings organised into the appreciative inquiry domains of “Discover” (identifying current strengths and successes), “Dream” (envisioning ideal future services), “Design” (planning pathways to achieve aspirations) and “Destiny” (committing to sustainable implementation). Results: Seventy-four AHPs from across rural and remote South Australia were involved in focus groups and individual interviews. In the “Discover” phase, participants described the value of the multidisciplinary team, family and community partnerships and the ability to provide an early intervention service in hard-to-reach areas. In the “Dream” phase, AHP envisioned services with appropriate therapy spaces and resources, specialist support and shorter wait times for families. The “Design” phase revealed specific systemic supports needed to achieve their aspirational service model, including improved funding mechanisms, meaningful clinician involvement in decision making processes, and enhanced consistency of relationships with community stakeholders. In the “Destiny” phase, professionals acknowledged existing community strengths, while highlighting the importance of protecting clinician wellbeing and preventing workforce burnout to ensure service sustainability. Conclusions: This strengths-based qualitative study provides a novel point of view of allied health service delivery in rural and remote South Australia, moving beyond traditional deficit-focused approaches to highlight existing capabilities and realistic pathways for improvement. This work highlights the value of multidisciplinary teams and community partnerships when delivering rural healthcare services. Through the appreciative inquiry framework, this research has identified strategies for building toward “dream” services across rural and remote South Australia. Critically, these findings advocate for the meaningful inclusion of frontline clinicians in decision making processes. These findings offer guidance for future service planning initiative, targeted workforce development strategies and policy innovation.

Caroline Grogan

Lightning Talk Title:

Policy barriers and unconscious bias impacting lower care standards in remote populations

Abstract:
Show

Background Australia’s urban-centric prioritisation of healthcare delivery and lack of healthcare equity leads to significant health disparities for people living in rural and remote (RR) areas compared with their metropolitan counterparts. Substantial governmental underspending on rural healthcare, limited access to specialists and lower rates of primary preventative care have led to poor health outcomes, reduced quality of life, higher preventable hospitalisations and up to a sixteen-year shorter median life expectancy for RR residents. Virtual healthcare offers opportunities to improve geographical healthcare equity by providing timely access to primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare. However, the Australian Health Insurance Act does not currently include Medicare item numbers for medical specialists to provide telehealth consultations with admitted patients – a core component of most virtual hospital models. Although evidence demonstrates that virtual healthcare can deliver comparable health outcomes to in-person care for some conditions, many clinicians remain skeptical of virtual healthcare quality and equivalence. This may lead to unconscious bias which must be addressed to ensure the design of future healthcare innovations provides the same quality and care standards regardless of geography. Methods Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 clinicians, hospital, health service and aged care leaders and public health stakeholders to inform the design of a private virtual hospital in Queensland, Australia. Interview transcripts were reviewed three times by multiple coders using inductive thematic analysis to develop themes focused on healthcare leaders’ perceptions of virtual health care suitability for RR versus urban Australian populations. Results There were three overarching themes. Theme 1: Traditional face-to-face healthcare is better than telehealth. Face-to-face healthcare was viewed as superior to, and safer than, virtual care and allows for the healing touch. Virtual care should complement, but not entirely replace, face-to-face care. Theme 2: Virtual healthcare offers an opportunity for rural and remote residents with limited access to face-to-face healthcare by overcoming long distances, long waiting lists and lack of rurally located practitioners. Theme 3: Telehealth is better than nothing. Where face-to-face care is unavailable, participants described that the (perceived lower quality) virtual care was better than the existing standard of no health care in RR regions, but that this was not acceptable for metropolitan patients with access to face-to-face care. Taken together, these three themes indicate a tacit acceptance of a lower standard of healthcare for RR residents. Conclusions Virtual healthcare provides an opportunity to transform the Australian healthcare landscape and reduce geographic healthcare inequities. However, current health legislation prevents private medical practitioners from providing Medicare-rebated virtual healthcare to admitted patients, impeding development of virtual hospitals. Clinicians and healthcare leaders view virtual care as substandard, which is acceptable for those in geographically isolated regions with limited or no healthcare access, but not for people with access to face-to-face care. The tacit acceptance of a lower care quality may unconsciously negatively bias the design and delivery of virtual healthcare services. If left unaddressed, clinicians’ and policymakers’ urban-centric prioritisation of healthcare delivery, acceptance of a lower standard of care for RR regions and restrictive funding models will continue to support geographical healthcare inequity.

H

A/Prof Ash Hanafy

Biography:
Show

Associate Professor Ash Hanafy Ash was born in Cairo, and gained his medical degree from Cairo University (MBChB) in 1986. He migrated to Australia in 1991 and completed his O&G training in Adelaide. In addition to his clinical work, he was previously appointed as the clinical sub-Dean for Griffith University Medical School, Logan campus and currently holds an Associate Professor title. Presently, Associate Professor Hanafy is the Director of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Royal Darwin Hospital / Top End Health Service.

Oral Presentation Title:

Innovative O&G teaching and skills maintenance for rural multi-disciplinary teams

Abstract:
Show

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of a decentralized hub-and-spoke obstetric education model (OGET) in improving healthcare delivery across rural and remote Northern Territory and Australia through localized, multi-disciplinary training. Methods: Prospective mixed-methods evaluation study of the OGET program across Gove and Katherine health services, and over 30 rural and remote Australian health services (June 2022-May 2025). Data collection included pre- and post-training confidence assessments, structured participant feedback from standardized training sessions, and qualitative case evidence. Analysis included thematic analysis of participant feedback. Results: The program demonstrated four key benefits across participating remote health services: enhanced multi-disciplinary team preparedness, particularly in non-maternity staff managing obstetric emergencies; improved communication between rural services and regional referral centres, with specialists gaining first-hand knowledge of local resources; better accessibility of training for the predominantly female (71%) rural healthcare workforce through elimination of travel barriers; and rapid response to emerging clinical challenges, exemplified by the implementation of specialized training for difficult caesarean deliveries using simulation models across all OGET hubs. Conclusion: OGET's decentralized education model demonstrates measurable improvements in clinical team capability and communication in rural obstetric care. This approach effectively addresses geographic isolation while ensuring sustainable professional development across the multi-disciplinary team.

Dr Ruth Hardman

Oral Presentation Title:

Managing mental health in rural Australia: how can community paramedicine help?

Abstract:
Show

Background: Older people living in rural Australia face several challenges that increase their risk of poor mental health. These include higher levels of isolation and loneliness, poorer physical health and lower average incomes. This is compounded by difficulties accessing healthcare in rural and remote settings. Community paramedicine offers a novel approach to healthcare which may overcome some of the barriers and address the healthcare needs of this population. This study aimed to explore whether a feasibility trial of a community paramedicine programme, CP@clinic, can contribute to improved mental health outcomes in rural adults. Methods: The CP@clinic feasibility trial ran from 2022-2024 in Mildura, Victoria. Paramedics conducted free drop-in clinics at community hubs, providing chronic disease assessment, management, health education and onward referrals. Over this time 205 clients accessed a clinic and were surveyed at each visit using an established database, assessing chronic disease indicators as well as quality of life, loneliness and mental health. Qualitative interviews were also conducted with a subset of participants (N=14) to explore participants experiences, benefits of participation and suggestions for improvement. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed separately then integrated using an explanatory approach, whereby the qualitative data were used to explain the quantitative findings. Results: Around half of the clients attending CP@clinic reported experiencing anxiety or depression. These participants were more likely have mobility issues, experience pain, experience food insecurity and income insecurity, have health lifestyle risks and be socially isolated. Participants reported that the CP@clinic program helped to improve their mental health both directly, through receiving referrals to appropriate healthcare providers; and indirectly, through improvements in determinants of mental health. This included improvements in physical health status and reduction in loneliness and social isolation, through connections formed with the paramedics and other clinic participants. Discussion: This study found a clear overlap between the mental health, physical health and social health needs of CP@clinic consumers and identified that addressing one of these elements could lead to more widespread benefit. There is a need for an accessible community service that addresses the mental health needs of adults living in rural Australia. CP@clinic provides a unique opportunity to improve mental wellbeing of this population and should be scaled up and evaluated effectively for this purpose. This program could also address the lack of employment options for Australian paramedics who, whilst highly skilled, are the only healthcare workforce in oversupply.

Rikki Harrington

Poster Title:

Occupational therapy in concussion management at ASH; Adapting the RPQ for Indigenous Australians in Central Australia

Abstract:
Show

Background of Proposed Project: Concussion, also known as mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) refers to a complex pathophysiological process following a head trauma. While most adult concussions see symptoms resolving completely within 2 weeks, there are a number of individuals who experience prolonged symptoms or post-concussion syndrome, ranging from headache disorders and mental health issues to cognitive difficulties and vestibular problems . Between 2020-2021 in Australia there were 17700 emergency department (ED) presentations and 10800 hospitalisations for concussion. This data set also summarised that First Nations people and people living in rural and remote Australia were more likely to be hospitalised with head injury . Occupational Therapists (OTs) offer a unique, holistic perspective of individuals and are well versed in the necessary skills to identity, assess, and treat the functional impact that concussion can impose. Among other forms of assessment, The OT team at Alice Springs Hospital (ASH) frequently use the Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ) to objectively understand the presence and severity of concussive symptoms that may impact a person’s ability to engage in activities of daily living (ADLs). With ASH servicing around an 85% Indigenous patient population and the often myriad of neurocognitive nuances experienced by our presenting population, the OT team are eager to pursue projects that are culturally considered and relevant to the unique needs of our community. As such, the OT team have embarked on a project to adapt the RPQ to; 1) help us, other health professionals and our patients better understand the concussion symptoms being experienced and its effects on daily function, 2) continue to employ an objective measuring tool that can be used in the acute, rehabilitation and outpatient/community setting and 3) ensure we are providing appropriate and culturally considered education and interventions that is of the highest quality, across the spectrum of our service. Our poster aims to invite viewers to our developments in this project with the aim of raising awareness of our practise in this domain and its’ nuances in Central Australia. Relevance to OT knowledge and practice and Rural and Remote Health: Historically, theories into the management of concussion have emphasised a complete rest approach, however emerging research is clearly recommending graded transition into daily function shortly following injury, within the limits of exacerbating symptoms. With concussion being complex in nature and affecting engagement in daily activities on multiple levels, OTs are well equipped to work alongside their patients in symptom recognition and education, providing adaptations to maximise participation, and in gradually supporting patients to re-engage in occupations safely. The ANZ Concussion Guidelines suggest that referral to interdisciplinary teams/clinics or subspecialists should be considered for people experiencing concussion symptoms lasting more than four weeks. In rural and remote areas where access to such services may be difficult, general practitioner monitoring alongside specialist telehealth services is advised to coordinate a follow up plan . Project considerations: The OT team acknowledges the importance of consultation with ASH’s Aboriginal Liaison Officers in this pursuit. It is also acknowledged that currently and to our knowledge, no formal concussion specific follow up services are available in Alice Springs outside of a limited outpatient rehabilitation service, and therefore this project may also act as a catalyst for further exploration of the service gaps in our remote setting. Future CQI: Alongside this adapted tool, the OT team anticipates future CQI in developing culturally appropriate education/advice for concussion/mTBI, exploring the OT role within the emergency department, and in advocating for the importance of adequate follow up services including possible concussion clinics or upskilling remote health clinics in managing prolonged concussion symptoms.

Dr Suzie Harte

Biography:
Show

Dr Suzie Harte is the National Program Manager for the PARTNER Network program, bringing health research to rural Australians. My role with the University of Melbourne, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Science is funded by a Medical Research Future Fund infrastructure grant as part of the Australian Teletrial Program. As a passionate health researcher and accredited practising dietitian I have special interests in health systems, health and education equity, community involvement in research, paediatric health and disability. Building on my PhD qualitative research program of study investigating children’s eating behaviour, I have been involved in novel research studies in the field of neurodevelopmental disability, paediatric acquired brain injury, neurodiversity and Long COVID. I have extensive career experience in large-scale global systems development programs across industries as diverse as satellite communications, pharmaceutical business intelligence and travel ticketing systems.

Oral Presentation Title:

The PARTNER Network: Building rural primary care research capacity

Abstract:
Show

Oral Presentation Title:

"We don't fit" : Our child has dementia

Abstract:
Show

Background One in every 2,900 babies is born with one of the 100+ rare genetic conditions that cause childhood dementia. 50% of these children die before the age of 10, and 70% do not reach adulthood. At any one time it is estimated there are 1400 people in Australia with a childhood dementia condition. This equates to an estimated 400 (based on 28% of the population of Australia) living in rural and remote areas. Previous research established that families experiencing childhood dementia had challenges interacting with health and social care systems, expressing they 'do not fit’. Aim Targeted research in order to articulate and represent the ‘lived experience’ of families in their interactions with care and support services and identify the key challenges and opportunities for change. Methods A convenience sample invited participation from parents. Semi-structured facilitated interviews were conducted via Zoom. Interviews were recorded with the consent of participants and transcribed using Otter. Key themes were identified using thematic analysis. Results Eight parents (8 mothers, n=5 caring; n=3 bereaved) consented to participate in an interview. Six themes emerged: 1. Conditions that cause childhood dementia are rare, difficult to diagnose and diverse, which results in delayed diagnosis, 2. Following diagnosis, there is no defined care pathway and parents find it difficult to navigate care and support to meet their child’s needs, 3. Parents become project managers for their child’s care, experiencing a high administrative burden, 4. Paediatric palliative care can fill a navigation and coordination gap but is not consistently accessed, 5. NDIS packages are essential support for families, but are universally challenging to access and manage, 6. Following the death of their child families find comfort in informal and formal supports, yet these can be difficult to access and sustain. Conclusions Families living with childhood dementia state they ‘do not fit’ in current care and support structures. This research will enable advocacy and systemic change to ensure appropriate, equitable and high-quality care for children and families affected by childhood dementia.

Chris Hince

Biography:
Show

Chris Hince is a physiotherapist and Lecturer in Remote Health (Allied Health) at Flinders University, based in Nhulunbuy, East Arnhem Land. With over five years’ experience as a FIFO clinician in the Top End and 3.5 years living and working in Yolŋu communities, he leads student-led allied health projects focused on cultural safety and community engagement. Chris is passionate about creating meaningful, culturally responsive placements that benefit both students and the communities they serve. His work prioritises relationship-building, language learning, and collaboration with Yolŋu cultural educators to support student learning and culturally safe service delivery. Recently, Chris has co-authored publications including Preparing Allied Health Students for Culturally Responsive Interprofessional Practice in Remote Northern Australia (Student Success, 2025) and contributed to research exploring cultural responsiveness and health equity in remote Australia. His focus remains on supporting the development of a culturally safe, community-driven health workforce for remote contexts.

Lightning Talk Title:

Prioritising Cultural Safety in Remote Allied Health Student Placements

Abstract:
Show

Aims This research explored prioritising cultural safety in clinical placement education and how this shaped allied health student experiences during a student-led, community-driven heart health program delivered in East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory. While clinical competence is typically prioritised in student placements, this project intentionally reoriented the focus to embed cultural learning as foundational to delivering safe and effective care in a Yolŋu context. Context The Yolŋu Heart Health for Life project was co-designed with Yolŋu communities to address the absence of culturally responsive cardiac rehabilitation services in East Arnhem. The initiative also aimed to strengthen the local workforce and enhance student preparedness for remote practice through culturally immersive placements. The remote location and strong Yolŋu cultural and linguistic identity offered a distinct environment for both learning and service delivery. Intervention Over two years, 28 allied health students (physiotherapy, dietetics, occupational therapy, and psychology) completed placements guided by three senior Yolŋu cultural educators and Yolŋu allied health assistant trainees. Placements incorporated on-country activities, cultural education sessions, and meaningful engagement with participants in community settings. Language learning, participation in cultural practices (e.g. hunting, art, ceremony), and interaction with Yolŋu ways of knowing and being were central to the placement experience. Evaluation As part of the broader evaluation of the Yolŋu Heart Health for Life project, post-placement student interviews were thematically analysed. The qualitative data revealed significant growth in student understanding of health and wellbeing in a Yolŋu context. Students reflected on the challenges of communicating across cultural and linguistic boundaries, reconciling differing worldviews of health, and reassessing their professional roles. Many reported that prioritising relationship-building and cultural learning led to deeper insights and more meaningful placement experiences. Findings and Conclusion Key themes emerging from the research include: -Cultural safety must be intentionally prioritised, not assumed, to ensure effective education of healthcare professionals. -Prioritising relationships and time with clients promoted cultural learning and improved cultural safety amongst students, important for successful health service delivery. -Ongoing cultural education, led by local educators, is essential for preparing students for ethical and responsive practice in remote contexts such as East Arnhem Land. -Student engagement in Yolŋu cultural practices fostered critical reflection and highlighted the need to adapt healthcare education to diverse worldviews. This model presents a successful approach to fostering cultural safety in future health professionals, thus contributing directly to workforce development, improved health equity, and the delivery of culturally responsive care. The outcomes align with key symposium themes, including remote health research, improving health equity, future health workforce, and successful models and service design.

Dr Brad Hodge

Biography:
Show

Dr Brad Hodge is an academic and behavioural scientist who leads the Rural Health Innovation Lab at La Trobe University, focusing on community-driven approaches to workforce innovation and sustainable rural health solutions. With a PhD in behavioural science, Brad specialises in creating impactful, high intensity learning experiences through interdisciplinary collaboration and meaningful community partnerships. He has led numerous rural initiatives, including the Healthy Ky program, an innovative placement model delivering essential health screenings in partnership with local communities, and the Rural Health Innovation Sprint, which empowers students and partners to collaboratively tackle real-world health challenges. Brad’s distinctive approach integrates behavioural insights, design thinking, and asset-based community development, emphasising psychological safety and authentic engagement. His work consistently seeks to bridge the gap between education, community needs, and workforce sustainability, generating replicable models adopted across regional Australia. An engaging speaker and facilitator, Brad regularly collaborates with health services, educational institution

Oral Presentation Title:

Practice with Purpose: A Rural Nursing Placement with Real Community Impact

Abstract:
Show

Authors: Brad Hodge, Melissa Deacon-Crouch, Byron Perrin Background Addressing shortages in the rural health workforce requires innovative placement models that not only expose students to rural practice but also actively foster skill development, community connection, and future workforce pathways. The Healthy Ky placement model was designed to align student learning needs with community health priorities, providing a dual benefit for both students and local populations. In addition to a standard hospital placement experience, first-year nursing students participated in health screenings across various community-based settings. This study examines the impact of this unique community-based placement experience on students, community partners, and clinical supervisors, as well as the benefits it offered to community partners. Method The Healthy Ky model was structured around high-frequency, community-prioritised activities, allowing students to gain meaningful, repeated practice while delivering valuable services to the community. Unlike traditional rural placements that often focus solely on clinical exposure within a hospital setting, this model integrates community service delivery with semi-structured learning, presenting a new paradigm for rural education. Students rotated through three one-week experiences: a pop-up screening clinic, an outreach screening clinic, and a week of rotations in the ward. This placement provided 2,700 hours of first-year experience and facilitated 1,300 health screenings. A qualitative study was conducted involving semi-structured interviews with seven participating students, seven community partners, and one clinical educator. Data were thematically coded using an inductive approach, and cross-stakeholder triangulation was employed to validate emerging themes related to mutual benefit, tensions, and enabling mechanisms. Analysis focused on understanding how the nature of the placement experience, driven by community needs, influenced learning. Results The rural place-based placement model provided students with real-world clinical experiences and community engagement, which enhanced their clinical skills and professional confidence in rural settings. Students appreciated the repeated opportunities for clinical screening and health communication practice, as these directly addressed their learning needs and facilitated accelerated skill acquisition and professional identity development, as reported by clinical educators. Community partners emphasised the benefits of health screenings, particularly their role in addressing local healthcare gaps and expanding access to essential services. Partners highlighted the advantages of the placement model and expressed sincere appreciation for the students’ presence, enthusiasm, and contributions. Despite these benefits, several challenges emerged. Variability in community clinic demand meant that students sometimes lacked sufficient activities during quieter periods. Additionally, balancing time between community-based initiatives and hospital-based clinical training presented difficulties, with both students and educators emphasising the importance of adequately developing hospital-specific competencies alongside community engagement. Conclusions The Healthy Ky model illustrates how rural placements can be strategically designed to align skill development with community service delivery. By incorporating repetitive, real-world practice within community-identified priorities, the model provides mutual benefits: enhancing student readiness for rural practice while strengthening local health capacity and workforce pipelines.

Dr Anna Holwell

Biography:
Show

Dr. Anna Holwell is a Specialist General Physician and Head of Department of Medicine at Alice Springs Hospital, where she also serves as Clinical Lead for Stroke in Central Australia. With over ten years of experience working in Alice Springs, Dr. Holwell provides both inpatient care and outreach clinics in some of the most remote communities in Australia. She has a particular interest in Indigenous Health, focusing on the cultural impacts of chronic disease and the importance of culturally safe healthcare. Passionate about improving healthcare access for rural and remote populations, Dr. Holwell has driven implementation of key stroke protocols to support access to acute stroke treatments in Central Australia. Her efforts led to Alice Springs Hospital becoming one of the first nationally certified Stroke Capable Regional General Hospitals. Dr. Holwell received the 2023 Stroke Foundation/Stroke Society of Australasia Stroke Care Champion Award. She received a Stroke Foundation Early Career Research Grant in 2024 and a NHMRC Stroke Trials CRE in 2025 to support her research. She is also a council member of the Internal Medicine Society of Australia and New Zealand.

Lightning Talk Title:

Stroke Services in Central Australia: Clinician-Led Research to Improve Outcomes for Our People

Abstract:
Show

Establishing an effective stroke service in Central Australia has required locally driven innovation to meet the unique challenges of delivering care across this vast region, including a large remote living Aboriginal population. This region experiences some of the highest stroke incidence rates globally, with higher rates of young stroke, haemorrhagic stroke, and stroke in females. Clinician-led, targeted research is now driving improvements—answering practical, locally relevant questions to ensure the stroke service is not only effective and efficient, but also culturally appropriate and grounded in place, community, and lived experience. Background: Stroke remains a major contributor to the health gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians, particularly in rural and remote settings like Central Australia, where access to timely, specialised care is limited. Aboriginal people in this region experience strokes at significantly younger ages, with higher incidence and poorer outcomes. In response stroke services have been developed. Acute reperfusion therapies have been available at Alice Springs Hospital (ASH) since 2019 supported by a well-established Telestroke service and an acute stroke unit - one of the first sites in Australia to be accredited as a Stroke Capable Regional Hospital. Despite these services, access to acute therapies is still limited, and outcomes continue to be poor. The vast geography, complex retrieval systems, and disparities in stroke awareness among both healthcare workers and community delay access to critical interventions. Displacement from country, social determinants of health and limited rehabilitation options beyond traditional inpatient settings make stroke recovery challenging. Poor health literacy, engagement with healthcare services, and intercultural communication further hinder secondary prevention. This had led to a number of locally driven research projects, addressing the distinct epidemiological, logistical, and cultural factors influencing stroke care in this setting. 1.A retrospective audit of young strokes to examine stroke workup and access to PFO closure exploring the drivers of young stroke 2.The two part Stroke Patient Journey study, funded by the Stroke Foundation: a.A retrospective audit using Value-Focussed Process Engineering describing pre-hospital timelines in stroke patients presenting to ASH to identify targets for improving pre-hospital pathways and access to time-critical care. b.An exploration of Aboriginal perspectives on stroke symptoms, outcomes, and care pathways. This project uses culturally grounded research methodologies and is co-designed and conducted with the ALOs at ASH, and aims to develop educational material and clinical protocols that are culturally and linguistically appropriate 3.A feasibility study for a Remote Code Stroke model, supported by an NHMRC CRE grant, to optimise per-hospital pathways. The study will use a Phase IIa single-arm design, comparing stroke recognition and treatment to an objective performance criterion based on historical data. 4.Development of a prospective stroke database, including social determinants of health This work is laying the foundation for future innovations, including mobile brain imaging and biomarker-based diagnostics. By embedding research within clinical practice and privileging Indigenous knowledge systems, this model exemplifies how local clinician-led research can drive effective, community informed improvements in rural and remote stroke care.

Poster Title:

Mapping the Remote Stroke Patient Journey in Central Australia Using Value-Focused Process Engineering

Abstract:
Show

Background: Stroke is a time-critical emergency where timely access to reperfusion therapies significantly improves outcomes. In Central Australia, the retrieval of potential stroke patients from remote locations is uniquely complex, involving vast distances, multiple transport modalities (including road and fixed-wing aircraft), and numerous clinical handovers between primary health care, retrieval clinicians and coordinators, transport crews, and acute hospital services. These layers of care create a fragmented and difficult-to-visualize workflow, complicating both service delivery and data collection. Objective: To design a conceptual model of the pre-hospital care pathway for patients ultimately presenting to Alice Springs Hospital with stroke. By identifying the key components, decision points, and barriers in the remote stroke retrieval process we aim to provide the framework for data collection and analysis of these pathways, and ultimately inform future quality improvement initiatives. Methods: To address the complexity of the patient journey, we utilised Value-Focused Process Engineering (VFPE), a hybrid methodology that integrates Value-Focused Thinking (VFT) with event-driven process chain modelling. VFPE enables the mapping of workflows as sequences of activities and events, while VFT structures decision-making objectives around stakeholder values. In developing this model of pre-hospital patient journey, frontline clinicians and statisticians worked collaboratively to apply VFPE, ensuring both clinical relevance and methodological rigour in the model’s development. This approach will support both the detailed conceptualization of the remote stroke retrieval workflow and the systematic identification of relevant data points for analysis. Significance: Utilising Value-Focused Process Engineering (VFPE) has enabled the breakdown of numerous complex patient journeys into a unified, structured workflow. This model forms the foundation for defining data variables to be collected and analysed in an innovative retrospective audit of the pre-hospital time metrics of stroke presentations to Alice Springs Hospital. By applying VFPE to the pre-hospital remote stroke care context, the study aims to generate a comprehensive understanding of the patient journey, facilitating the identification of inefficiencies and delays, and informing targeted interventions. The resulting framework will guide future research and policy development in rural and remote stroke care. This approach is adaptable and can be replicated in the study of other remote retrieval scenarios, offering a valuable tool for health systems research.

A/Prof Xiang (Janet) Hou

Biography:
Show

Dr Xiang-Yu (Janet) Hou is Associate Professor and Research Lead at the University of Sydney’s Broken Hill University Department of Rural Health, and Director of Research at Far West Local Health District, NSW. With formal training in medicine, epidemiology, and public health, her research spans health services, health equity, mental health, and workforce development using rigorous qualitative and quantitative approaches. Dr Hou has successfully supervised over 20 HDR students to completion, published over 130 research papers, and attracted more than AU$3 million in competitive research funding. At this symposium, she will present findings from a comprehensive narrative review on the impact of Rural Clinical Schools and rural placements on strengthening Australia’s rural medical workforce. Dr Hou is a long-standing contributor to the Australasian Epidemiological Association and editorial boards including BMC Public Health and Australian Journal of Rural Health. Her work continues to advocate for evidence-informed, place-based solutions to address rural health inequities.

Lightning Talk Title:

Narrative Review: Rural Placements and Rural Clinical Schools Strengthen Rural Medical Workforce

Abstract:
Show

Background Persistent health workforce shortages in rural and remote Australia remain a critical equity issue. National initiatives such as Rural Clinical Schools (RCSs), longitudinal rural placements with University Department of Rural Health (UDRHs), and rural generalist training programs have been implemented to address this challenge. However, the impact of these strategies across diverse contexts and cohorts has not been collectively examined. This study synthesises published evidence to assess how these programs contribute to rural medical workforce recruitment and retention. Method A narrative review was conducted using the PRISMA framework. Literature searches were performed across eight databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, ERIC, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses, and Google Scholar) with the end date of 11 April 2025. Search terms targeted medical students, rural placements, clinical schools, and rural workforce recruitment and retention. After removing duplicates, 622 records were screened, and 38 studies met the inclusion criteria. A structured extraction template was applied, and results synthesised thematically. Results Studies evaluating RCS programs consistently showed strong workforce outcomes. Participation in RCS for one year or more increased the odds of rural practice by 1.5–4.8 times. Among students with both rural origin and RCS participation, rural employment rates exceeded 70%. Extended RCS programs (e.g., in WA and QLD) were particularly impactful when paired with local mentoring and longitudinal clerkship models. RCS-based rural training, when combined with high-quality supervision, contributed up to 42.5% of the observed effect on rural workforce recruitment and retention. These findings justify the investment in RCS infrastructure when designed as full-year, immersive programs with postgraduate alignment. Rural placements outside RCS settings (e.g., UDRHs) varied in length and structure, and their impact was correspondingly variable. Short rural placements (typically 2–4 weeks) produced mixed results. Programs without strong mentorship or community engagement had limited long-term effect on rural practice intent. Longer or repeated rural placements demonstrated greater influence. For example, the John Flynn Placement Program (2 weeks annually for 4 years) increased rural GP intent from 9% to nearly 20%, with 65% indicating rural work interest after the fourth placement. Similarly, immersive 3–5-week placements (e.g., Mt Magnet program) with cultural integration achieved rural employment for 6 of 7 participants 3–4 years post-placement. These extended models were most successful when they included continuity with mentors, community immersion, and multidisciplinary experiences (e.g., Flinders Island). While less costly than RCSs, well-structured extended rural placements for metropolitan students at UDRHs offer a scalable and effective alternative, particularly when designed to complement postgraduate rural training pathways. Conclusion This narrative review affirms that rural placements and rural clinical schools are not only effective but central to strengthening Australia’s rural medical workforce, particularly when combined with structured, high-quality supervision. To ensure sustainable success, national strategies must integrate: (1) rural-background student recruitment, (2) immersive and supported rural placements, (3) continuity into postgraduate rural training, and (4) strong supervision and mentorship embedded in community contexts. A longitudinal, coordinated, and adequately resourced rural training pipeline is essential to close Australia’s longstanding rural medical workforce gap.

J

A/Prof Richard Johnson

Biography:
Show

A UK and Australian trained Emergency and Aeromedical Retrieval specialist, I have been in Alice Springs for over 13 years. I have spent most of that time as Director of the Central Australian Retrieval service, during which I lead an all of system review and redesign to focus the logistics and clinical co-ordination on delivering positive outcomes for patients and their community with the philosophy of the right clinician for the right task at the right time. With a background in mountain rescue, expeditions and medicine in the developing world my passion is service delivery that works with the community and environment to find the best of all worlds. Involvement in the highly successful MRFF funded retrieval service evaluation with the Menzies School of Health Research led me to develop and nurture an interest in research and I have since been a CI/AI on a number of successful MRFF and NHMRC grants totally >$3m. Since early 2023 I have been part of the hospital executive team from which position I am privileged to be able to further promote equitable healthcare access through service development/redesign and access to and representation in research for our remote population.

Lightning Talk Title:

Severe sepsis-associated acute kidney injury and outcomes: a longitudinal cohort study

Abstract:
Show

Objective: Sepsis induced acute kidney injury (S-AKI) is a syndrome of acute renal impairment complicating sepsis, occurring in over 40% of patients admitted to intensive care (ICU) with an established link to progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Central Australia has the highest rates of dialysis dependent CKD (CKD5D) in Australia. This study aims to demonstrate a link between an episode of S-AKI and the composite primary outcome of progression to death or CKD5D thereby identifying a cohort amenable to intervention reducing or delaying the primary outcome. Design: A retrospective cohort study Setting: Alice Springs Hospital (ASH) is a 200 bed regional hospital providing the only critical care facility for an area exceeding 1.5 million square kilometres with a 10 bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admitted approximately 600 patients per year. Participants: Patients admitted with a diagnosis code associated with sepsis to ASH ICU. Main outcome measures: Primary outcome was a composite of death or initiation of maintenance dialysis within 5 years of the index case of sepsis leading to ICU admission Results: The unadjusted risk of death or dialysis dependence is significantly higher in the S-AKI group (OR 3.19, 95% CI 1.83-5.57, p < 0.01). This effect remains after adjustment for age, illness severity, and co-morbidities (aOR 3.35, 95% CI 1.76 - 3.47, p < 0.01). Conclusion(s): These results demonstrate the link between S-AKI and composite outcome in a defined population in whom from intensive follow-up and secondary prevention may reduce or delay progression of disease with significant economic and personal benefits. Discussion: The importance of these findings lie in the recognition of a patient cohort within an already high-risk population; First Nations people in Central Australia have some of the highest rates of CKD and dialysis dependence in the world. international literature suggests that close nephrologist follow-up can reduce mortality in sever CKD. Resource limitations and geography mean that not all CKD patients in an area such as Central Australia can be provided with that level of care and many patients do not present until late in the pathway of CKD. The authors suggest that a novel model of care should be co-designed with primary care and ACCHO partners to closely manage ongoing risk factors in this cohort following an episode of sepsis, similar to that for rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease.

Dr Kaz Johnston

Oral Presentation Title:

Outcomes from place-based health planning in rural and remote NQ communities

Abstract:
Show

Background The northern Queensland region consists of diverse communities including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and farming and mining communities in rural and remote areas, and places of urban living in major townships. There are many similarities in health challenges and service delivery across the region, with small, dispersed populations in challenging geographies. However, context specific factors of individual communities tend to be lost in regional and state level planning for health. Place-based health planning is shaped by local knowledge and data, alongside an exploration of a community's environmental, cultural, social, and demographic characteristics. Co-design approaches in healthcare planning can help identify needs, explore solutions, and prioritize actions, ultimately increasing the feasibility and likelihood of success. The four-year Integrating Health Care Planning in North Queensland project, funded by the CRCNA, aimed to improve the responsiveness of health services to the specific health needs of local communities. In Phase one, publicly available data was collated and mapped online to visualize population health needs and service availability. A gap analysis was performed to identify and prioritize communities for inclusion in phase two, during which a place-based planning approach was implemented in three communities: Clermont, Hughenden, and Kowanyama. Methods Key stakeholders in the selected communities, including health service providers and community leaders, were engaged to assess interest in the project. The co-design process was conducted with local and regional stakeholders, as well as self-nominated community members, through four stages involving workshops, small group sessions, and individual meetings. These discussions resulted in prioritized action plans, which were implemented by local Project Support Officers. The co-design process and the actions taken were evaluated using the Framework to Assess the Impact from Translational Health Research. This presentation will outline the overall project outputs and outcomes and the impact domains. Results The project identified several domains of impact, including a) knowledge advancement - the project emphasised the value of community involvement, local leadership, and tailored engagement strategies in building knowledge and an understanding of need and opportunity; b) strengthened capacity for health systems improvement - collaboration among community members and service providers enhancing shared understanding, advocacy skills, and confidence in shared planning; c) improvements to health systems – such as increased service availability, improved provider collaboration, and support for initiatives like health check clinics; and d) direct economic benefits - improved access to services locally had direct benefits in terms of reduced travel and associated costs. Conclusion and Recommendations Participatory, place-based health planning fosters information sharing, trust building, and the development of shared ideas. It benefits both communities and health services by driving locally relevant solutions to improve health outcomes. Beyond enhanced service delivery, this approach strengthens community capacity and ownership of the planning process. Key recommendations from the project to support scalability of place-based approaches across northern Australia include the need to improve the quality and accessibility of data for place-based health service planning in rural, regional and remote settings; and develop mechanisms for integrating learnings from place-based health planning initiatives into existing planning approaches. "

Michael Johnston

Biography:
Show

Michael Johnston is a PhD student at Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, NT, Australia. Michael is a non-Indigenous person, an accredited primary and secondary school teacher, and holds a Master of Human Rights from the University of Sydney. Michael supports Indigenous-led research and education programs in the NT, with the aim of building evidence and strengthening pathways into the health workforce for local and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.

Poster Title:

Systematic review: Indigenous health sciences tertiary education across CANZUS nations

Abstract:
Show

Background Equitable access to education is critical for reducing global health and social inequities. In Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States (CANZUS nations), Indigenous peoples have been teaching and learning on their lands for millennia. However, the ongoing impacts of colonisation including dispossession, systemic racism, intergenerational disadvantage, and limited access to services continue to produce disparities in education outcomes. These inequities are particularly pronounced in rural, regional, and remote areas, where challenges in service delivery and inequitable resource allocation create structural barriers to Indigenous participation and attainment of tertiary education. Indigenous peoples’ strong cultural, kinship, and knowledge systems are recognised as critical determinants of health, wellbeing, and lifelong learning. The Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children demonstrates that higher parental education is associated with improved health, social, and economic outcomes for children. Equitable access to health sciences tertiary education is essential for building a culturally safe Indigenous health workforce that can meet the needs of rural, regional, and remote communities. Indigenous peoples are leading transformative efforts to govern their education systems and secure the futures of the next generations. However, their voices are underrepresented in the research informing policy and practice. This study forms part of a broader program evaluation funded by the Australian Government’s Medical Research Futures Fund of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander co-led Ramaciotti Regional and Remote Health Sciences Training Centre, based in Darwin, Northern Territory (NT). The aim of this study is to systematically review the characteristics and reported outcomes of Indigenous health sciences tertiary education programs across the CANZUS nations, with particular attention to Indigenous-led programs and those that address the needs of Indigenous students from rural, regional, and remote communities. Methods This systematic review aims to address the following question: What are the characteristics and reported outcomes of Indigenous health sciences tertiary education programs across the CANZUS nations? The review applies Indigenist research methodologies, guided by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers, with accountability ensured through Indigenous governance processes, including the Menzies-Ramaciotti Centre Steering Committee and Youth Advisory Group. The research process privileges Indigenous voices, knowledge systems, and leadership throughout. The review will follow PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search strategy will be applied across six databases. Inclusion criteria focus on peer-reviewed empirical studies reporting program characteristics and outcomes. Two reviewers will independently screen, extract data, and conduct critical appraisal using an adapted CONSIDER framework. Meta-study will examine how leadership, governance, and program characteristics are conceptualised and reported; meta-aggregation will summarise findings. An ecological systems lens will inform interpretation. Anticipated Results Findings will likely highlight a persistent gap in the empirical evidence base, underscoring the need for further research and investment in Indigenous-led education programs that address complex and intersecting challenges in rural, regional, and remote health equity. Preliminary findings are expected to reveal a small number of high quality, Indigenous-led and authored publications that describe health sciences tertiary education programs and report outcomes such as student experiences and community engagement initiatives, providing a baseline for best practices globally.

K

Latitia Kernaghan

Biography:
Show

Latitia Kernaghan has worked in rural NSW as an occupational therapist for 18 years, holding both clinical and leadership roles within the public sector and now as part of the Three Rivers Department of Rural Health team. Latitia is passionate about strengthening connections between the community, healthcare and higher education sectors to promote positive rural mental health outcomes. Latitia is actively involved in numerous research activities relating to multidisciplinary rural mental health education.

Lightning Talk Title:

Disruption and transformation: Experiences of a rural community-based mental health placement

Abstract:
Show

Background: Student placements, a form of work-integrated learning, are globally recognised as an essential component of education for health professionals. Placements are particularly important for students to learn the nuances of practicing in unique contexts, such as rural mental health settings. Despite mental health education being widely accepted as an important element of undergraduate learning, relatively few mental health placements occur in rural areas. There is also a distinct lack of evidence available to guide those seeking to create, facilitate, or evaluate these experiences. In response to this, the Community Mental Health Experience Program (CMHEP) was developed for paramedicine, social work, and nursing students. In partnership with LikeMind, a non-government community mental health organisation, the placement aimed to foster authentic engagement with people seeking support for their mental health. The distinct features of the community mental health experience are student preparation, interprofessional learning, psychological safety, critical reflection, connection with the community, and a supportive learning environment. Methods: This research aimed to add to the literature an understanding of how efficacious rural mental health placements can be enacted. This included elucidating some of the mechanisms for learning, which elements of the program contributed to that learning, how, and for whom. This study was guided by the following research questions: How can community mental health placements contribute to undergraduate health student learning, and how do students make sense of this learning? What is the experience of health professionals hosting a community mental health placement, and how do they interpret these experiences? To examine the experiences of students and staff in the rural community-based placements, semi-structured interviews were conducted over an 18-month period with participants who were involved in the CMHEP. Interpretive phenomenological analysis was used as the research team was interested in how participants engaged in a mental health placement experience, what elements of the placement were significant for people, and why. Results: Interviews were conducted with 12 students and five host site staff in 2023 and 2024. Using IPA, four themes were created to show the experiences of the participants. The themes included: * Stepping to an unexpected opportunity to learn * Student and supervisor learning transformation * Authenticity as a foundation for learning the realness of mental health * Mental health learning as a personal, professional, and community investment Students consistently described the placement as transformative, citing increased confidence, reduced stigma, and a deeper understanding of mental health care despite their initial trepidation. Staff also reported enhanced supervisory skills, renewed professional purpose and connection to their work. Conclusion: This research demonstrates the conditions required for community mental health settings to make positive contributions to health student and host staff learning and provides an example model of success. The findings highlight the importance of intentionally designing and implementing mental health placements to maximise their benefits. This study adds to the body of evidence that scaffolded student learning and direct contact with community members in authentic mental health placements should be encouraged across health disciplines.

Dr Vishnu Khanal

Oral Presentation Title:

What makes telehealth successful in a very remote Central Australian Aboriginal community?

Abstract:
Show

Background Aboriginal peoples living in remote Central Australia face significant challenges accessing healthcare. Usual service delivery models include intermittent outreach visits, and patients travelling to specialist outpatient clinics in Mparntwe (Alice Springs). Little is known about patient and provider preferences for telehealth in this setting. The aim of this study was to co-design, implement and evaluate the impact of a hybrid telehealth model on access to specialist healthcare in Central Australia. Methodology Setting A small remote community in Central Australia with a population of about 230 and located over 200 kilometres from Mparntwe. Comprehensive primary health care (PHC) services are provided by an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service. Approach A participatory action approach was utilised, employing local Aboriginal researchers to lead community engagement. Data collection included yarning circles and interviews with community members, specialists, and PHC clinicians. The content of transcripts were analysed using a deductive approach. Intervention A hybrid outpatient telehealth services model was co-designed with community members, local PHC staff, and hospital outpatient staff, implemented, and evaluated. Findings Aboriginal community members were accepting of specialist telehealth consultations provided that a local PHC staff member, whom they knew and trusted, was present with them in their local clinic. Outreach specialist visits were infrequent, sometimes not well advertised and could occur while they were out of the community for important cultural reasons. Telehealth consultations reduced hardships managing incidental costs, fear regarding accommodation, and long and exhausting travel for brief appointments. Mostly, community members valued not having to leave the community. In several instances community members welcomed being involved via a specialist telehealth case conference in decision-making about family members such as receiving palliative care in Mparntwe. Specialists and PHC clinicians perceived that screening and routine follow-up visits were suitable for telehealth and noted these during the referral process. For remote PHC clinic staff, telehealth enablers included simplicity (eg. clicking a link), having appropriately set-up workstations, and the availability of local Aboriginal staff to help with coordinating telehealth consultations and bringing people to the clinic. Advantages of telehealth from both staff and patient perspectives included being able to involve family in consultations and not having to organise patient travel. Challenges associated with telehealth included variability in the digital skills of staff and resistance of some to using telehealth. Telehealth consultations ceased following PHC staff turnover, only recommencing when new individuals more supportive of telehealth were employed. The existing heavy workload of PHC clinic staff was also a challenge for coordinating and supporting telehealth consultations. Conclusions A hybrid model of outpatient telehealth was successful for a remote Aboriginal community in Central Australia when it occurred at the local clinic and was supported by staff known to community. Telehealth required that staff had enough workforce capacity to coordinate operational aspects. However, specialist telehealth has not yet been embedded into business-as-usual and remains subject to the willingness and championing by individual PHC and specialist providers and is adversely affected by staff turnover.

Dr Olivia King

Biography:
Show

Olivia King is an allied health researcher and educator. She is the Manager of Research Capability Building for Western Alliance Academic Health Science Centre. She holds an Affiliate Senior Lecturer role with Deakin Rural Health and an Adjunct Research Associate position with the Monash Centre for Scholarship in Health Education. She is passionate about developing research capability in the health sector and promoting the translation of research into practice, particularly in rural health settings. Her research interests include health professions education, interprofessional role boundaries, allied health workforce, sociology of the professions, and qualitative methods.

Lightning Talk Title:

STaRRlite: Building research and translation capacity in rural health settings

Abstract:
Show

Background Building research capacity in rural health settings is crucial for the delivery of evidence-based healthcare and improving rural population health outcomes. Experiential learning through in-depth education and individualised mentoring are cornerstone strategies to build research capability in individuals. These capability building activities take time and resources which are often constrained in rural and regional (rural hereafter) health settings. The Supporting Translation of Research in Rural and Regional health settings (STaRR) program was initially designed as a multifaceted intensive mentored research translation training program for rural health staff in western Victoria. Our learnings from three years of delivering STaRR indicated that a brief entry-level research and translation workshop was needed for rural health staff who wished to learn more about research and translation, but not necessarily lead a specific research project. STaRRlite, a half-day introductory research workshop focusing on the common steps unique to research and quality improvement (QI) pathways, was developed to meet this identified need. Our study evaluates the self-reported short-term outcomes of STaRRlite. Methods Self-reported knowledge was evaluated using integrated pre- and post-workshop surveys. Participants rated their knowledge using a 7-point scale across five key domains: (1) Types of evidence to inform practice; (2) Key steps in developing a research/QI project; (3) Developing a research/QI/review question; (4) Health service research designs; and (5) Resources available to support research and translation. Paired sample t-tests were employed to compare mean scores pre- and post-workshop. How likely participants were to recommend the workshop was also measured using a 10-point scale, and analysed descriptively via the mean. Data were analysed using Stata v18. Results The STaRRlite workshop has been delivered four times since 2024. A total of 223 staff representing 10 health organisations in rural and regional western Victoria have participated. Data from 143 participants (64%) were available for analysis. Participants were predominantly from allied health (n= 57, 40%) and nursing (n= 46, 32%). Other professional backgrounds included mental health (n= 11, 8%), medicine (n= 6, 4%), and program officers (n= 6, 4%). More than half of the participants had never conducted or engaged in research activity (62%). Mean self-rated knowledge scores improved significantly in ‘Types of evidence to inform practice’ (3.9±1.4 vs 5.6±1.0; p<0.001), ‘Key steps in developing a project’ (3.5±1.3 vs 5.3±1.0; p<0.001), ‘Developing a question’ (3.6±1.4 vs 5.3±1.0; p<0.001), ‘Health service research designs’ (3.5±1.4 vs 5.1±1.0; p<0.001), and ‘Resources available to support research and translation’ (3.0±1.5 vs 5.5±1.0; p<0.001). Overall, the program was well received by participants. The mean score for ‘How likely are you to recommend STaRRlite to your colleagues?’ was = 8.7/10. Conclusions STaRRlite is a comparatively low resource research and translation workshop that provides a soft entry for novice researchers working in rural and regional health settings, and a mechanism to raise awareness of research and translation resources available across western Victoria. STaRRlite serves as a low-commitment first step toward research and translation for rural health professionals and a platform for a research capacity building pathway through the mentored STaRR program.

Poster Title:

Rural health research mentorships: the shape of things across Australia

Abstract:
Show

Background Building research capacity in rural, remote, and regional (rural hereafter) health settings is essential to improving the delivery of healthcare. There are factors unique to these settings that limit the conduct of rurally led research. There are numerous initiatives in place to address these challenges. The Rural, Remote, Regional Sharing Approaches in Research Education (R3ShaRE) Network was developed in response to the identified need for those involved in research capacity building (RCB) in rural settings to work collaboratively, address shared challenges and achieve more impactful outcomes. The R3ShARE Network comprises 77 members representing almost all Australian states and territories and many rural RCB programs at varying levels of maturity. Mentoring is an individualised educational strategy that promotes ongoing professional and personal growth and is an RCB strategy at the heart of many programs delivered nationally. Mentorships in rural settings are often constrained by the limited availability of qualified researchers. As part of the R3ShARE Network’s program of work, we will explore the mentorships that members of the Network and their colleagues are involved in either as mentors or mentees. We aim to explore the nature, key features, challenges, enablers, and impacts of rural health research mentorships across Australia. Methods An environmental scan to identify the approaches to implementing mentorships as part of our four respective RCB programs was undertaken to identify the similarities and differences across the programs. To explore rural health research mentorships more deeply and broadly across Australia, we will administer a cross-sectional survey. The bespoke survey will comprise a series of demographic questions and a mix of close- and open-ended questions. Members of the R3ShARE Network will be invited to complete the survey. Snowball sampling will be conducted via the R3ShARE Network members. Ethics approval will be sought prior to administering the survey. Quantitative data will be analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative responses from open-ended questions will be examined using thematic analysis to identify key patterns and insights. Results Our environmental scan identified similarities in our mentoring models, such as the development of criteria to guide mentorships, the observed evolution of mentorships across the research lifecycle, and the need for a mix of mentors from different backgrounds. Differences in our mentoring models include our approaches to pairing mentors with mentees, remunerated versus voluntary mentoring roles, and mechanisms to capture feedback from mentors and mentees. We anticipate the survey data will provide deeper insights into the ways in which mentorships to support rural health researchers are developed, how they function in different contexts, and the challenges and enablers of effective rural health research mentorships. We also expect to identify the types of impacts and outcomes of rural health research mentorships for both mentors and mentees. Conclusion By scoping the mentoring activities of the R3ShARE Network, we will collectively learn from and optimise our respective mentoring programs that are integral to rural RCB initiatives and share these learnings internationally. This work represents the first national mapping of rural health research mentorships via a dedicated rural RCB network.

Anna Klis

Biography:
Show

Anna Klis – Founder & CEO, ASAC Consultancy Anna Klis is the Founder and CEO of ASAC Consultancy, a national leader in aged care and health reform across rural, remote, and First Nations communities. With over 20 years of experience, she specialises in clinical governance, service transformation, and building sustainable capability in at-risk organisations. ASAC Consultancy is part of the Australian Government’s Rural, Remote and First Nations Aged Care Service Development Panel, where Anna supports providers to achieve compliance and deliver culturally safe, community-led care. She is the Founder and Visionary of the Wildu Aero Project—Australia’s first hydrogen-powered drone initiative aimed at improving health access in remote regions through innovation, sustainability, and Indigenous partnership. Anna holds a Bachelor of Nursing and Aboriginal Health, postgraduate qualifications in Diabetes Education, and is completing a Master of Public Health.

Oral Presentation Title:

Wildu Aero: A First-of-Its-Kind Hydrogen Drone Initiative to Transform Rural and Remote Health Access

Abstract:
Show

Hannah Law

Biography:
Show

Dr Hannah Law is a Research Scientist in the Indigenous Health Team at the Australian eHealth Research Centre. Her research focuses on the co-design, implementation and evaluation of public health and prevention strategies to improve health outcomes for Indigenous Australians. Hannah has expertise in quantitative research methodologies including laboratory based research, bioinformatics, public health interventions and diagnostic technologies. Her research interests focus on working with and learning from vulnerable communities that experience significant health disparities to co-design and deliver effective health solutions. Hannah holds a PhD in Immunology and Bioinformatics from the Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney which investigated human lymph node T follicular helper cell responses to influenza vaccination, utilising a range of proteomic and genomic sequencing technologies, and bioinformatic analysis of high dimensional health analytics data.

Oral Presentation Title:

When was the last time you had no power? Energy insecurity in remote Australia.

Abstract:
Show

Data presented in this Abstract is under embargo. This data cannot be reproduced and/or shared in any format without the express consent of the study Principal Investigator Professor Ray Mahoney. The Tangentyere Council are the owners of this data. CSIRO is committed to responsible data governance and protecting Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP). TCAC are co-authors and have codesigned the analysis. CSIRO expects to receive permission from TCAC to publish and present this data and results prior to the 10th Rural and Remote Health Scientific Symposium. Background: Energy insecurity is an inability to meet basic household energy needs. Insufficient access to energy is associated with poor health outcomes due to an inability to maintain health hardware including food storage, essential medical equipment and thermal safety during extreme weather. Remote Indigenous communities often prepay for electricity which offers limited consumer protections and is plagued by frequent disconnections. Approximately half of Indigenous households in the Northern Territory fall below the poverty line, housing quality is often poor and retailer definitions of hardship universally exclude prepayment meter customers, creating the perfect storm for energy insecurity and associated poor health outcomes. Tangentyere Council Aboriginal Corporation (TCAC) initiated this project to gather evidence on the suitability of current Town Camp housing stock and the role of energy insecurity in climate change adaptation strategies of residents. All phases of this project have been codesigned, codeveloped and delivered in partnership with TCAC and the community. This project aimed to characterise energy insecurity in Town Camps in Alice Springs by examining disconnection from power across a 1-year period. Methods: TCAC researchers collected energy usage data from 123 Town Camp households from the energy retailer, Jacana Energy. A disconnection from power was defined as any period where energy usage was 0.0000 kWh. Disconnections were grouped into 6 categories based on the duration of disconnection from power; <24 hrs, 1-7 days, 8-14 days, 15-28 days, 29-70 days and 70+days. Poisson regression models were used to assess the effect of day or month on the frequency of disconnections.

Kristal Lawrence

Biography:
Show

A born and raised Alice Springs local, Kristal worked in business administration for a decade in the Northern Territory Government Departments of Education and Natural Resources before shifting to the health and academic sectors to work under John Wakerman and Sue Lenthall at the Centre for Remote Health. Working with this passionate team of remote health experts and academics was transformative, and coupled with a lifetime of lived experience in remote Central Australia, inspired her to pursue a new career pathway into public health and health research. After completing a degree in public health and working in project management roles at Flinders and Charles Darwin Universities, she commenced as the Project Manager of the NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence for Strengthening Health Systems in Remote Australia (CRESTRA) at the Menzies School of Health Research in 2023. She also plays a key role in the Remote Health Systems and Climate Change Centre (RHC3), a place-based research team located in Alice Springs, and is continuing her learning journey by undertaking a Master of Health Research.

Oral Presentation Title:

Remote health systems: ‘Burning Issues’ and policy priorities emerging from Country

Abstract:
Show

Background Health systems in remote Australia have long been fraught with intractable service delivery challenges compounded by the increasingly complex health needs of some of our most vulnerable populations. The issues are well known to the service providers on the ground, however gaining traction with policy-makers is often hindered by limited capacity for research and advocacy, particularly in the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Sector. Local researchers are working collaboratively with service partners and key stakeholders to identify and address the hottest ‘burning issues’ so that policy-makers can be provided with evidence to inform solutions using a whole-of-system approach. Progress to date Launched in March 2023, the NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence for Strengthening Health Systems in Remote Australia (CRESTRA) is a multi-agency partnership led by the Menzies School of Health Research that aims to address the challenges of delivering quality, comprehensive health services across remote Australia. Using a systems approach (guided by a logic framework) and undertaking extensive consultation with the sector, CRESTRA builds on two decades of place-based health systems research in central and northern Australia with a focus on four key action areas: 1.Improving workforce retention 2.Addressing inequitable funding of remote health services 3.Improving service integration and coordination to provide clear care pathways 4.Building remote area research capacity Over CRESTRA’s first two years, steering committee and leadership group meetings have provided not only essential governance for the project, but have offered important forums for leaders in remote health service organisations, government agencies, research institutions and peak bodies to discuss recurring themes and common issues experienced. The CRESTRA ‘Burning Issues’ are a dynamic, evolving record of over thirty remote health systems challenges demanding the urgent attention of our nation’s leaders. ‘Burning Issues’ threaten remote health services’ ability to deliver quality care. Key examples of workforce sustainability issues include infrastructure shortage for staff and students, highly competitive markets for health professionals, increasing dominance of locum and agency staffing models, heavy and unsustainable workloads, the decline in Aboriginal Health Practitioner numbers, a lack of clear and appropriate pathways into Remote Area Nursing, and poor remote health workforce datasets. Inequitable funding similarly jeopardises healthcare provision, with foremost issues including fragmented funding sources, inflexible population-based funding models, duplication of services, prescriptive funding guidelines, a disconnect between different funders’ priorities, fixed and often short-term term funding cycles and lengthy and resource-intensive funding application processes. Next steps Documenting partners’ ‘Burning Issues’ provides critical input to investigators working across the four CRESTRA themes and is driving the next stage of priority setting for research and advocacy in the remote health sector. While many of these issues are long-standing, the best and most innovative solutions are likely to lie with the services for whom the issues burn fiercest. Amongst the most significant challenges will be convincing policy-makers and funders to invest in community-led co-design and evaluation in order to substantiate evidence-based solutions that have a chance to effect genuine systemic change.

Amanda Leach

Lightning Talk Title:

Barriers and enablers to Ear Health Facilitator employment in remote Indigenous communities.

Abstract:
Show

Background. Australian First Nations remote communities have very high unemployment rates with limited access to training opportunities. The Hearing for Learning Initiative (HfLI) was a stepped-wedge cluster randomised trial co-designed by a First Nations-led Governance structure. The HfLI intervention was 6 weeks of paid on-country accredited and skills training (otoscopy, tympanometry and hearScreen), including researcher-supported workplace integration and 6-monthly refresher training, and new job creation for part-time Ear Health Facilitator (EHF) positions within NT Health and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health centres. The training intervention was implemented in 18 of 20 enrolled communities, with 53 of 89 trainees graduating. Fifteen EHFs were employed across 13 communities. Two EHFs remained employed by the end of the study period (30 June 2024). This analysis explores the barriers and enablers to the integration and employment of EHFs. Methods. Experiences of EHFs were sought via semi-structured questionnaires conducted by researchers face-to-face and by phone during employment (n = 7) and after attrition (n = 6). EHFs were asked about the role overall, the support received, and why they left. This was combined with researcher field notes. The data was iteratively reviewed for themes regarding barriers and enablers to EHF employment. During this analysis we acknowledge that the study and employment model were grounded in Western and mainstream values and knowledge systems allowing us to critically reflect. Results. Six themes emerged in this analysis. Firstly, EHFs were motivated to work citing a desire to help the community, self-development opportunities, and working with children. Secondly, EHFs often had duties to culture and family that took precedence over attending work. Some employers were supportive, but others considered performance management due to frequent absenteeism. Thirdly, there were ineffective workplace supports evidenced by the lack of dedicated workspaces and preceptorship, unmanaged workplace conflict, and EHFs feeling excluded or isolated. Fourthly, EHFs often found community engagement difficult and frustrating, partly due to community disinterest, lacking a vehicle for outreach, lacking confidence to work independently, and population mobility. Fifthly, unrest and violence resulted in population displacement and disruptions to health services in some communities. Lastly, EHFs requested more time for ongoing refresher training from research staff for ear screening skills and research tasks, and employer training in health systems software. Conclusions. Whilst EHFs gained substantial benefits from training in terms of confidence, skills and knowledge, there were significant barriers which affected attendance, capacity to conduct ear checks, and ability to retain employment. Some barriers could be addressed through the reallocation of health service resources to better support EHFs (e.g. a workspace, preceptorship, support for development), or modification to the HfLI training and employment model, or EHF scope. Two-way cross-cultural training may help improve the quality and cultural appropriateness of the model and help EHFs to operate and thrive in Western healthcare organisations. Community engagement and education should commence early and include more culturally appropriate and translated resources. Novel approaches that challenge mainstream understandings of employment are needed to support EHFs to attend cultural and family obligations while also retain employment.

Anna Lennie

Biography:
Show

Anna Lennie been a physiotherapist in the Northern Territory for over 25 years and has worked for the Northern Territory Government and in non-government roles in community, remote, acute care and across sectors in education, justice and youth and community development. She currently works at Alice Springs Hospital as the Senior Physiotherapist across paediatrics, pelvic health, renal and palliative care streams.

Lightning Talk Title:

Grow Us Strong Clinic: A Central Australian Multidisciplinary High-Risk Neonate Pathway

Abstract:
Show

Background Infants born very pre-term are at increased risk of cerebral palsy and other developmental delays and similar risks apply to infants who experience any event that may cause neurological deficits. Developmental surveillance utilising evidence-based tools by suitably qualified clinicians is highly recommended by current scientific literature and peak medical bodies to reduce the burden of disease on the child, family and community, as the child grows. In the Central Australian context, lack of access to early allied health assessment has been linked to high youth incarceration rates, with one report finding nearly half the children in youth detention having multiple diagnoses of cognitive disabilities. Recruitment and retention of suitably qualified allied health staff exacerbate issues of remoteness, cultural safety and socioeconomic factors which combine to impact access to health services and the early intervention key to supporting developmental and educational outcomes for children with disabilities. Aims and Method The Grow Us Strong Clinic is a new model of service for children aged 0-2 which has been developed as a multidisciplinary assessment and intervention service based at the Alice Springs Hospital (ASH) in collaboration with the community-based Children’s Development Team, involving paediatricians, physiotherapy, speech pathology and nursing. Eligible children can be followed up to two years of age and assessed using standardised neurodevelopmental assessments for early diagnosis of cerebral palsy and other neurodevelopmental delays, medical review and regular support and education for families and carers. It streamlines current practice for consistent and sustainable service delivery addressing service gaps and duplication in response to consumer feedback while additionally providing support for the multidisciplinary team and supervision and training of therapists ensuring sustainability of the service. Results/Evaluation The GUS multi-disciplinary clinic is currently under trial running weekly from February to July 2025, with comparative evaluation for the same period in 2024 looking at multidisciplinary team satisfaction, consumer feedback, appointment attendance and percentages of children achieving diagnostic pathway assessments, reporting and referral. Anticipated outcomes include early diagnosis of cerebral palsy and other neurodevelopmental delays, referral and early intervention, increasing family and psychosocial support in the early years, with impacts on other sectors down the line such as education and corrections. The GUS clinic has potential to reduce hospital admissions and burden on the health system and is expected to improve resilience of the allied health paediatric service through providing training and development opportunities across disciplines and acute and community services, reducing burnout and improving staff retention and satisfaction.

Sue Lenthall

Biography:
Show

Sue Lenthall is an experienced educationalist and remote area nurse, with over two decades of practice in remote communities across Queensland and Central Australia. She was the inaugural Course Coordinator of the Remote Health Practice program at the Flinders University Centre for Remote Health, where she oversaw the development of a curriculum specifically designed to prepare health professionals for practice in remote Australian settings. Sue holds a PhD titled ‘Back from the Edge’, which focused on reducing occupational stress among remote area nurses in the Northern Territory. She has since led and supervised numerous research projects related to remote area nursing and the remote health workforce. Currently based at Charles Darwin University, Sue has led the co-design and development of a graduate nurse program tailored for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services in the Northern Territory.

Oral Presentation Title:

Strengthening the NT remote health workforce, co-designing a graduate nurse program

Abstract:
Show

Background: Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs) in the NT face chronic and critical workforce shortages, with non-Indigenous clinical staff turnover rates exceeding 160% annually. In some regions, agency nurses now comprise 50–80% of the workforce, costing individual services between $100,000 and $2 million per year and resulting in compromised continuity of care, culturally misaligned healthcare systems, and overstretched permanent teams. Despite national growth in the nursing workforce, very remote areas remain underserved, and new graduate nurses are underrepresented due to a lack of structured support and clinical readiness. In response, the NT Primary Health Network (NTPHN) initiated the Graduate Nurse Program Expansion (GNPE) to build on the proven Central Australian Aboriginal Congress (Congress) Graduate Nurse Program. The GNPE aims to provide a Flexible, culturally safe, structured, and sustainable transition-to-practice pathway for new graduate nurses within remote Aboriginal health services. Methods: The GNPE was developed using a participatory action research framework. This inclusive and iterative approach involved four key stages:

Engagement and Governance: Steering, advisory and curriculum development committees were established, with representation from NTPHN, Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory (AMSANT), Charles Darwin University, Menzies School of Health Research, Flinders University and Congress.
Evidence and Needs Analysis: A literature review, stakeholder interviews, and a national survey of student and early-career nurses were conducted to identify barriers, motivators, and best practices in remote workforce development.
Consultation and Co-Design: Three structured consultation rounds were held with ACCHSs across Big Rivers, East Arnhem, and Top End regions of the NT. Consultations ensured that the program design was culturally safe, operationally feasible, and aligned with local workforce capacities.
Iterative Design and Feedback: Program elements, including orientation, education and support strategies, were refined through feedback from ACCHSs and stakeholders to ensure alignment with both local needs and national frameworks.

Results: The GNPE is structured as an 18-month program featuring an initial two-week orientation, weekly in-servicing, on-going cultural safety education, short courses, and two weeks education leave each quarter. Staged implementation is planned with a joint pilot across three ACCHSs in the Big Rivers region, supported by a shared program coordinator and nurse educator. A broader rollout to additional services is planned based on evaluation outcomes. Economic modelling highlights the GNPE as a cost-effective alternative to increasingly costly agency staffing models and mismatches in clinical readiness. In contrast, GNPE investment could foster retention, reduce reliance on temporary staff, and strengthen continuity of care. Conclusions: The GNPE offers an innovative, community-driven solution to the remote health workforce crisis in the NT. By embedding new graduate nurses in remote ACCHSs through a culturally safe and structured framework, the program aims to build local workforce capacity, improve recruitment and retention, and promote long-term sustainability. Its success, however, depends on continued collaboration, targeted funding, and regional flexibility. It offers a sustainable and replicable model for remote and Indigenous health workforce development nationwide.

Abigail Lewis

Biography:
Show

I’m from the rural south of England, of mostly Scottish ancestry, and came to Perth as a settler migrant in 1996. I have lived on Noongar country ever since and respect the continuous connection of the many Noongar clans to this beautiful land. My teaching and research are focused on increasing the confidence and competence of students completing placements. Increasing self-awareness through reflective practice is a key tool both for my own learning journey as well as for the learning journey of students. My doctorate examined professional identity formation, seeking more strategies to embed into the curriculum. After many years working with and learning from children with disabilities as a speech pathologist, I moved to ECU to organise placements in the speech pathology course. This commenced my journey learning how students wanted to be prepared for placements and trying to enhance their learning from their experiences. Recently I moved to Bunbury, working in ECU’s UDRH South West, supporting allied health and nursing students on placement and their supervisors, along with increasing locally focused research, aiming to increase the local rural health workforce.

Oral Presentation Title:

Adolescents with intellectual disability and behaviours of concern: Rural allied health experiences

Abstract:
Show

Ray Mahoney

Oral Presentation Title:

When was the last time you had no power? Energy insecurity in remote Australia.

Abstract:
Show

Chipampe Masongo

Biography:
Show

Chipampe Masongo is a Research and Program Quality Assistant at the Goldfields University Department of Rural Health, where she supports research focused on improving health outcomes in rural and remote communities. Chipampe holds a Honours degree in Public Health and possesses a keen interest in health systems, equity, and evaluation. A key aspect of Chipampe’s role entails enhancing the efficacy of nursing and allied health placement programs by applying Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) principles to facilitate meaningful and quantifiable improvements. Chipampe is committed to advancing health equity in rural and remote communities through rigorous evaluation and systems thinking. She now aspires to apply her developed skills to health economics, with a particular emphasis on resource management, access, and quality in as she continues her educational journey.

Lightning Talk Title:

Emerging Experiences of Rural Health Placements for Nursing and Allied Health Students.

Abstract:
Show

Emerging Experiences of Rural Health Placements for Nursing and Allied Health Students. Background As a new University Department of Rural Health, the Goldfields UDRH was keen to understand the students’ perceptions of their placement, the supports provided and whether their understanding of fundamental aspects of rural health care changed during the placement. Aim A continuous quality improvement approach was established to evaluate students' experiences of the placement program supported by Goldfields UDRH. Objectives 1.To evaluate students’ overall experiences of the rural placement program, including key learning outcomes and reflections. 2.To identify key enablers, barriers, and opportunities for improving the quality and impact of rural clinical placements. Methods A mixed methods approach is used with a continuous quality improvement framework, applying the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle to action findings. Data is collected quantitatively through pre- and post-placement surveys, and qualitatively through focus groups or interviews with embedded Photovoice. Results A comparison of pre- and post-placement surveys revealed improved student understanding of rural healthcare characteristics. Initially, most rated their knowledge as average (30 of 57), which rose to excellent and above average (42 of 46) post-placement. Similarly, self-reported understanding of challenges in rural healthcare shifted from average and below average (39 of 57) to excellent and above average (44 of 46) after placement. Awareness of interprofessional team roles also improved, with ratings moving from average and below average (41 of 57) to above average and excellent (40 of 46) post-placement. Students reported better understanding of their roles and those of other health disciplines, with most initially rating their understanding as below average and average (38 of 57), changing to above average and excellent (44 of 46) post-placement. Narrative data analysis revealed the theme of comprehending rural and remote healthcare complexities, showing that students' perspectives on community, healthcare access, and professional roles changed. “Everything is 'different' from the city – especially 'subjective assessments' when patients live out on the lands.' Different social histories, house sizes... become a major logistical consideration” - Participant 4 By emphasising the emotional, relational, and intellectual effects of students' placements, photovoice reflections provided profound insights into their learning experiences. These reflections demonstrate how students value connectivity. One student illustrated shared decision-making with an image of a shopping cart full of groceries. They compared the shared decision-making process in a clinical setting with grocery shopping with a peer, where each had to consider their strengths and limitations as they weighed options and made decisions together. Conclusion The evaluation of students' rural placements highlights the significance of participant experiences in assisting the team to improve the program iteratively. By examining key learning moments and challenges during these placements, we see evidence of both professional and personal growth. The experiential learning provided via the clinical placement and interactions with the Goldfields UDRH team empower nursing and allied health students to cultivate their sense of cultural humility, professional identity, and understanding of rural practice.

AProf Supriya Mathew

Biography:
Show

Associate Professor Supriya Mathew leads the Climate Change Program at the Remote Health Systems and Climate Change Centre (RHC3) in Alice Springs. Her research, funded by the Wellcome Trust, NHMRC, and MRFF, focuses on strengthening climate resilience in low-resource remote settings. Her adaptation research, co-led by citizen scientists, community members, and health service partners, is ranked in the top 2% globally. She works in close partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organizations and communities across remote Australia.

Lightning Talk Title:

Climate health responses for remote Australia: Insights from a Climate Change Program

Abstract:
Show

Background Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in very remote communities hold strong local environmental knowledge to inform effective climate responses. Despite this, remote residents are at risk of climatic changes due to geographic isolation, poor quality of infrastructure, limited economic resources, limited access to health services, existing health burdens, and greater dependence on the environment for overall well-being. While there is substantial evidence on the impacts of climate change on urban populations, these findings cannot be generalised to remote communities, where social, environmental, and infrastructural contexts differ significantly. Aim This paper will present key observations made as part of the Menzies climate change program that aims to improve climate health resilience in remote communities. Methods A mixed-methods approach, grounded in participatory action research (PAR), has been adopted to ensure the active involvement of community members and stakeholders in remote Australia. Data from across the program is collected through -

Yarning sessions with community members
Interviews with key local stakeholders, particularly primary health care staff
Analysis of primary health care and weather data
Citizen scientist-led data collection of key local environmental priorities

Results Findings highlight the need -i) for local environmental monitoring; ii) to recognize and support the role of PHC services and local knowledge in developing climate responses, and iii) to consider climate in all practice and policy across sectors. Geographic remoteness limits ongoing monitoring of environmental variables like air quality, temperature, and humidity. This hampers efforts to study links between environmental exposures and health in remote areas. A citizen science approach, where remote residents combine local knowledge with local environmental data, can help design locally relevant and community-acceptable solutions. In remote regions, primary health care (PHC) services often serve as the first contact with the health system, which places PHC data as potential indicators of heat-related health effects and PHC staff as key climate health risk communicators. The involvement of PHC services in climate responses can also support community-led actions. Our research also highlights that a multi-sectoral approach is required to understand the effects and responses to climate change. For instance, maladaptive coping strategies such as increased alcohol or sugary drink intake during summer periods can worsen chronic diseases and social issues. Poor housing also heightens heat-related health risks, especially during extreme weather. These issues stress the need for coordinated action across sectors, addressing both social and environmental health drivers alongside clinical care. Conclusion Primary health care services, particularly Aboriginal community-controlled organisations operating at the local level and grounded in trusted relationships within their communities, can effectively lead and implement climate health awareness programs, promote preventive health strategies, and support community advocacy. By leveraging culturally appropriate approaches, local knowledge and local data, local stakeholders can build climate resilience, address climate-related health risks, and empower communities to engage in adaptive and mitigation strategies. A climate in all policy and practice approach will be suitable in remote Australia.

Emily Mathews

Biography:
Show

Emily Mathews is a Registered Nurse and Midwife working in the Riverland area in South Australia. She is working as a Clinical Research Coordinator, supporting clinical trial access within the Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network.

Lightning Talk Title:

Initiating and Leading Clinical Trials Within a Rural Health Service

Abstract:
Show

Background: Consumers living in rural, regional and remote areas of South Australia need to travel to metropolitan services to gain access to treatments and alternative options to care available through clinical trials. This is a costly and sometime unachievable expectation for consumers, which compromises the quality of life for the consumer. In response, the Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network (RMCLHN) aimed to created specialist positions across the health service to increase the exposure of clinic trials for rural consumers so they can achieve the best quality of care closer to home. Method: In collaboration with the Australian Teletrial Program RMCLHN created two full-time permanent positions for Registered Nurse/Clinical Research Coordinators to be place in the north (Riverland – MM5) and the south (Murray Coorong – MM3-5) of the region. These positions were designed to initiate clinical trials in the rural and regional space. Results: The first clinic trial position started in the Riverland Region in March 2023. This position covered the entire LHN until additional resources were raised to employ our second coordinator in the south in May 2025. Since inception, four trials have started in the Riverland region and three trials have since started in the Mallee Coorong region. The trials cover women’s health, Aboriginal health, type 2 diabetes, Aged care, renal dialysis and oncology. This has evolved into the RMCLHN leading their own clinical trial as a model of evidence based quality improvement which have been codesign with onsite clinicians to make a sustainable change in the Aged-care setting. RMCLHN staff are now the lead investigators and running the clinical trial ‘Medium chain triglyceride (MCT) supplementation in rural aged care residents: Phase 2a clinical trial’, with external expert geriatrician and pharmacy support. This study is exploring optimal dosing of MCT to support brain health, memory, and overall tolerance to the supplement. This project also incorporates upskilling trainee medical officers undertaking advanced specialised training in academics into projects design, along with the local Aged Care staff and RMCLHN Research Unit to manage and support both ethical regulatory documentation and on the ground operational aspects. Conclusion: By growing as a rural research unit and expanding clinical trial expertise in our region, we have grown our own skilled workforce and created both local and international partnerships. We have also applied and been successful with national based grant funding and continue to develop an environment where consumers living in resource limited areas can access clinical trials and associated care closer to home.

A/Prof Gabrielle McCallum

Biography:
Show

Associate Professor Gabrielle McCallum is the Head of Nursing at Charles Darwin University, Northern Territory. She is also a Principal Research Fellow and Program Leader of the Child and Maternal Health Division, at Menzies School of Health Research in Darwin. Gabrielle’s research interests are centred around preventing early and recurrent acute lower respiratory infections, and its subsequent consequences for children and young people at-risk of poor lung health in Australia, Timor-Leste and the Asia-Pacific region. Gabrielle is passionate about improving lung health outcomes for at-risk populations, by addressing important clinical gaps and translating her research findings into meaningful and culturally appropriate outcomes. Her work has directly contributed to policy, practice and guidelines nationally and internationally.

Lightning Talk Title:

Longer-term outcomes among First Nations children hospitalised with bronchiolitis: A case-control study

Abstract:
Show

Background: Acute bronchiolitis usually fully resolves. However, among First Nations children from the Northern Territory (NT), we found that persistent respiratory symptoms after a hospitalised episode of bronchiolitis were common and associated with bronchiectasis. Using a case-control design, we aimed to determine the longer-term clinical features of First Nations children previously hospitalised with bronchiolitis to identify risk factors for bronchiectasis. Methods: Cases were children previously hospitalised with bronchiolitis who participated in 2 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) from 4 communities from the NT ≥2yrs after trial participation; controls were a new cohort of children who were age and community matched (1:2) but never hospitalised with a respiratory illness. Between 2015-18, we evaluated 58/110 (53%) children from the RCTs (cases) and 97 controls at a single visit. We administered standardised questionnaires, reviewed medical records, performed a clinical examination, and a nasopharyngeal swab. Multivariable conditional logistic regression was undertaken to determine differences in clinical features of cases seen (at follow-up) compared to non-hospitalised controls. Results: The mean age of cases was 4.8yrs (standard deviation [SD] 1.5) and 5.1yrs (SD 1.4) for controls. Sociodemographic, family history, and nasopharyngeal bacteriology were similar between groups. Compared to controls, cases were more likely to have caregiver-reported wet and chronic cough (33% and 29% vs. 14% and 13% respectively), earlier first community-managed acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI), (median age 4.1mo (interquartile range [IQR] 2.2-3.5) vs. 7.1mo [3.2-13.8]), higher rate of lifetime ALRI (3.2 [2.9-3.5] vs. 1.1 [1,0-1.3]) and computed tomography scan confirmed bronchiectasis (15 [26%] vs 0%). Age at first community-managed ALRI was the only risk factor for bronchiectasis identified on multivariable regression. Conclusion: Compared to controls, children previously hospitalised with bronchiolitis were more likely to have ongoing respiratory morbidity and bronchiectasis. Preventing early ALRI and managing respiratory symptoms is important to prevent bronchiectasis in this high-risk population.

Jorja McErlane

Lightning Talk Title:

Developing a Functional Indigenous Stewardship Model for Genomics

Abstract:
Show

Background The intersection of genomics and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia describe ongoing and continuing impacts from colonisation playing out across health research and health systems (Dodson and Williamson 1999). Genomics data hold immense potential to address diseases and promote health equity. It aids in understanding genomic variations that cause disease and informs optimal treatment decisions to enhance health and wellbeing. Additionally, this information reveals insights into human origins, ancestry and biodiversity. Genomic research involving Indigenous peoples also navigate complex ethical, legal, and cultural considerations. This research empowers Indigenous communities to lead genomic research while establishing Indigenous data governance and management in genomics. We will describe the development of the ‘Indigenous Genomics Stewardship Model’, our strategies for enhancing Indigenous identity and recognition within genomics data as well as emerging approaches and guidelines for integrating non-genetic data in Indigenous genomics research and health care. Method The methodological framework for this NHMRC Synergy funded program includes three approaches: 1) Social network analysis; 2) Qualitative explanatory collective case studies; 3) and critical participatory action research engaging multisectoral stakeholders. We identify how these methods, guided by Nurrungga Professor Rigney’s core principles, ensure meaningful Indigenous participation and leadership throughout the research process. Preliminary findings Preliminary findings from the ongoing research into Indigenous genomic data stewardship reveal a distinct lack of formalised data governance structures within existing research and clinical programs that use, collect and store Indigenous Genomic data. While some mechanisms do exist (Example; the ALIGN National Indigenous Governance Council), there uptake is limited, and there is a reliance on approval from ethics committees, land councils or health service a means of Indigenous data control. Early thematic analysis of case study data has led to the identification of six foundational pillars for successful Indigenous genomic data stewardship. These pillars are:

Governance and Accountability
Data Lifecycle
Legal and Ethical
Community Engagement and Cultural Integrity
Capacity Building and Workforce
Values and Principles.

These preliminary pillars were presented at a recent workshop (n=40) on Kaurna Country, Adelaide. The workshop offered a collaborative, critical and participatory approach to sharing the early analysis and reviewing the preliminary findings, identifying strengths and gaps, and exploring how the emerging model can be shaped to meet community expectations, ethical obligations, and technical needs. This presentation will explore these conversations further, including the requirements for functionality, implementation, and how best to strengthen capabilities and capacities across the system to support long-term adoption of the stewardship model.

A/Prof Mathew McGrail

Biography:
Show

Matthew McGrail is one of Australia’s foremost rural health research workforce analysts, with a longstanding career concerning the drivers of medical workforce distribution to meet the needs of the Australian community. Matthew heads up Regional Training Hubs research at the University of Queensland and has a strong interest in rural education and training. He was one of the co-developers of the Modified Monash Model classification in 2012 and an ongoing ‘expert advisor’ to the Commonwealth’s Distribution Working Group for the medical workforce. To date he has been a chief investigator on two separate Centres of Research Excellence, one on medical workforce dynamics and the other on rural and remote primary health care access. He has also co-researched with various GP training organisations, specialty colleges, rural workforce agencies, as well as state and commonwealth health departments.

Oral Presentation Title:

National investigation on the impact of rurality on standardised clinical aptitude performance

Abstract:
Show

Background Medical school admission and selection is a high-stakes process, involving multiple admission elements and phases, with few successful candidates relative to the number of applicants. The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT-ANZ) is commonly used as a standardised test for admission decisions of undergraduate entry pathways into medical school. As expansion continues of rural medical programs as well as strengthened focus on selecting more rural applicants, available evidence suggests rural applicants to medical school are disadvantaged, given their observed poorer performance on most selection measures, including the UCAT-ANZ. This study examines performance differences of rural and metropolitan applicants on all UCAT-ANZ subtests and overall, as well as exploring whether increasing rurality is associated with poorer performance. Methods Retrospective repeated cross-sectional study of all applicants who sat the UCAT-ANZ between 2019-2023, stratified by rurality. Six performance scores of the UCAT-ANZ were assessed: verbal reasoning, abstract reasoning, decision making, quantitative reasoning, situational judgement and aggregate cognitive score. Rurality was stratified aligned with the Modified Monash Model (MMM) categories. Multivariable regression models adjusted for key demographic and socioeconomic characteristics relating to geography, education and family background. Results Rural origin applicants consistently achieved lower scores compared with the metropolitan origin applicants across all five years and most test components, with quantitative reasoning and abstract reasoning having the largest differences. Most test scores consistently decreased with each rurality level, even after accounting for socio-economic and demographic differences. Notably, the largest decrease in scores occurred between MMM-1 (metropolitan) and MMM-2 (large regional centre) applicants, followed by a slower and consistent decrease through to MMM 6-7 (remote areas). Test scores have generally increased over all five years, though somewhat less for rural applicants, thus increasing the performance gap compared to metropolitan applicants. Only 14.1% of applicants identified as rural origin in 2023, well short of population parity. Conclusions There remains a substantial disadvantage for rural applicants completing standardised tests for selection into medical school, and this worsens with increasing rurality. These patterns of rural disadvantage remained significant even after accounting for other key demographic and socio-economic factors, beginning immediately beyond metropolitan bounds and increasing through smaller rural towns and remote communities. The performance gap between rural and metropolitan applicants has somewhat widened in the last five years. Key options for action include increased efforts from an earlier age to better support rural applicants, decreased reliance on these tests for selection decisions, or decreased direct competition between rural and metropolitan applicants. The consistent decrease in test performance across each rurality level raises questions as to whether allocating adjustments or alternative entry requirements equally to all rural applicants, now commonly used by most Australian medical schools, is fair.

Lightning Talk Title:

Practical tips to foster interest in general practice across medical training phases

Abstract:
Show

Background Servicing increasing healthcare demands requires a sufficient supply of general practitioners (GPs). However, heightened by pandemic conditions, critical and chronic shortages of GPs persist in Australia and globally. Whilst not exclusively a rural problem, its impact is most acutely felt by rural populations. This suggests that accumulated health system and medical training integration challenges with general practice produces insufficient uptake of GP training and fellowship, leaving critical access deficiencies. In light of this, new and clear strategies for promoting increased general practice/family medicine specialisation across medical education in both metropolitan and rural locations targeting emerging medical graduates are urgently needed. Method This study aims to provide evidence-informed practical tips to foster positive perceptions of general practice and increase both interest in and uptake of general practice specialisation. These tips relate to training phases in medical school through to specialty training and are targeted at medical students, trainees, supervisors, program managers and other medical educators. They are drawn from a larger body of evidence produced by the project that included 25 interviews with GPs who attained their specialty fellowship between 2014-2023 and 17 key medical education stakeholders who participated in 4 facilitated workshops in late 2023. Results A total of twelve practical tips emerged. Four were relevant to all medical training stages, two were relevant only to medical schools, two were relevant for prevocational training and three were relevant immediately prior to GP college admission. Focusing on all training stages, the described tips included (1) recognising that medical trainees have different priorities to their learning and career progression, with GP exposures and GP career advice needing to align; (2) first-hand (positive) GP experiences remain critical, thus increasing such opportunities outside of the hospital environment is critical; (3) building larger and stronger GP networks, reinforcing the philosophy and critical contribution of GPs to the health system; (4) support finding positive role models and identifying what makes a great GP, dispelling any negative perceptions of general practice coming from other sources. Conclusion Through these tips, we provide a practical framework on how trainees, doctors and medical educators involved in training phases from medical school to specialty training can foster positive perceptions of and interest in general practice. These practical interventions target medical students, prevocational doctors and specialty registrars/residents, as well as their supervisors, program managers and other medical educators. These tips consider the importance of positive experiences (including language) around general practice specialisation to both encourage its uptake and to support long and successful careers in the specialty.

Alex McKenna

Biography:
Show

Alex McKenna is a Community Nutritionist and Accredited Practicing Dietitian on a Rural Development Pathway with South West Hospital and Health Service (SWHHS). Her work spans the lifespan, with a strong focus on early life nutrition and prevention. Her work within the SWHHS includes the delivery of several nutrition initiatives including Pick of the Crop, Wellness My Way, Cook and Connect and food affordability monitoring as well as work within the First 2000 Days. Her work spans the lifespan and is grounded in sustainable long term health outcomes. She is deeply committed to workforce development, providing supervision to multiple dietetic students within community and public health nutrition placements. Her recent research includes the development and validation of the Parent and Carer Food Choice Questionnaire determining key factors influencing the parental food choices of children aged between two and five years.

Lightning Talk Title:

Cook and Connect: Empowering Rural Communities Through Improved Food Literacy

Abstract:
Show

Background: Food insecurity affects 4-14% of the national population, reaching 83% in disadvantaged areas, with rural residents 33% more likely to experience it. These barriers not only limit access to nutritious food but also reduce opportunities to build food literacy. Food insecurity is a key risk factor for chronic diseases, such as Type 2 Diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity. Conversely, food utilisation skills like meal planning, budgeting and cooking are protective factors that strengthen community resilience and support healthier food practices. Cooking programs offer a practical, community-based solution; fostering knowledge about nutrition, economical meal planning and food preparation. Cook and Connect is a place-based initiative that addresses these challenges by delivering cooking classes for high-school children. It was co-designed with consultation from community members, supporting organisations and program facilitators to ensure relevance, accessibility and alignment with local needs. The program addresses social determinants of health by improving food literacy; equipping participants with practical skills and nutritional knowledge in a supportive environment. It also aims to help boost confidence and promote long term health through informed food choices. The aim of the current study was to collect preliminary data on the Cook and Connect program impact and outcomes to help inform program expansion. Method: The pilot program was implemented in Roma (MM 4), within the South West Hospital and Health Service (SWHHS) region. Targeting high school students aged 12-17 years (n=14), the 60 minute program was delivered weekly during the school term by a community nutritionist with support from teaching staff. Sessions focused on building food literacy, promoting budget meal planning and fostering social connection through hands-on cooking activities. Evaluation was collected verbally with each participants during the class using a yarning method. Topics explored were confidence, recent cooking and connection with peers. Results: The program demonstrated marked improvements in both food literacy and social connection. The proportion of students who had cooked a meal for themselves in the past week rose from 28% to 64% post-program. Confidence related to cooking and nutrition increased by an average of 63%, as measured on a 10-point Likert scale. Feedback identified that the program strengthened social connections between participants. ‘It is very clear to us the boost [in confidence] this program has given to our students’ was reported by a supporting teacher. Conclusions: Although only preliminary data, findings suggest that place-based cooking interventions can effectively address food insecurity and promote health equity in rural youth populations. To support sustainable growth, efforts will focus on building local capacity to deliver the program across the SWHHS. The community-led model allows for adaptation across diverse settings, making it a scalable solution for addressing food insecurity. Expansion to date has included extending the model to out-of-school programs for children, in collaboration with partners to support broader community wellbeing and crime prevention efforts. Expansion to adult community classes is also underway. By addressing key social determinants of health, such as food security education and social connection, the program contributes to improvements in rural community wellbeing.

Prof Carol McKinstry

Biography:
Show

Professor Carol McKinstry is Professor of Occupational Therapy and Deputy Dean of the La Trobe University Rural Health School. Carol is currently Chair of La Trobe University’s Academic Board and a member of University Council. Carol is passionate about rural health and leads the workforce stream in the Violet Vines Marshman Centre for Rural Health Research. She is also a Board Director of Occupational Therapy Australia and Bendigo Health.

Oral Presentation Title:

Supporting Female Health Professionals in Rural Australia: Co-Designing Workforce Solutions

Abstract:
Show

Background Women make up the majority of Australia’s health workforce, including 46% of the medical workforce, 88% of nursing and midwifery, and 76% of allied health professionals. Despite their prevalence, attracting and retaining female health professionals in rural and remote areas remains a complex challenge. Unique professional and personal needs—such as childcare, partner employment, peer support, and early career development—require integrated, gender-informed strategies. The aim of this study was to further explore and expand on solutions to attract and sustain women in rural healthcare, engaging participants from a range of professions including medicine, nursing and allied health. Method Building on findings from a 2023 workshop at the WONCA conference which included over 40 participants, a second participatory workshop was held at the 2024 National Rural Health Conference to identify actionable solutions, using a World Café format. Twenty-two participants—including representatives from medicine, nursing, and allied health— in small groups focused their discussion on four key themes: (1) professional networks and peer support, (2) early career support and training, (3) job and childcare co-design, and (4) the role of partner employment in workforce decisions. Ethical approval was granted by a university Human Research Ethics Committee. Results Participants emphasized the need for integrated strategies to support rural female health professionals:

Female Health Professional’s Partner’s Work: Recruitment should consider partner employment and social integration. Suggestions included community connection initiatives to meet other community members and develop relationships and networks, retraining opportunities, and workplace-linked employment requirements such as those relating to telecommunications and transport options.
Early Career Support and Training: Targeted support for new graduates and international graduates is essential including personal wellbeing and mental health supports. Key recommendations included mentoring programs, interprofessional rural placements, service navigators, career pathways and expanded continuing professional development funding.
Childcare and Job Design: Flexible and innovative childcare models—such as on-site care, school programs, holiday programs and family-based options—must be aligned with rural health roles. Workplace flexibility and innovative subsidies were also encouraged.
Professional Networks and Peer Support: Effective peer support should account for profession, place, personal circumstances and career stage. Transition programs, mentoring from those with rural experience, and multicultural integration were identified as critical success factors.

Conclusion Female health professionals in rural Australia require holistic, life-stage-informed supports to thrive. Practical, co-designed solutions across childcare, partner support, career development, and peer networking are needed that are place-based and take into consideration the needs of individual female health professionals. Future policy and workforce planning must reflect these multidimensional needs to build a resilient, gender-sensitive rural health workforce.

Oral Presentation Title:

Effectiveness of strategies to grow a rural health workforce

Abstract:
Show

Background To address rural health workforce shortages and provide tertiary education opportunities for rural people, a University Department of Rural Health (UDRH) has implemented strategies to increase the recruitment of rural origin students and promote rural practice through the provision of placements in MM 2-5 locations for health students. Strategies include having end-to-end courses delivered on regional campuses, separate and preferential course selection of rural and Indigenous students, scholarships for high-performing regional and rural students to study on regional/rural campuses, TAFE course articulations and enabling pathways such as a Diploma. The UDRH also collaborates with industry for rural placements and work-integrated learning opportunities. Method A retrospective audit was undertaken with student enrolment data and placement location data collected from university student databases in 2023, 2024 and 2025. Data analysis included descriptive and inferential statistics. Ethical approval was granted by the University Human Research Ethics Committee for the study. Results The strategies implemented have had varying degrees of success. For example, on one rural campus, the percentage of health students who identified as Indigenous has ranged between 2.3 and 3.7% over the last three years. Popular courses for Indigenous student enrolments include nursing, oral health and dentistry. Recruitment of health students of rural origin has been consistently above 80%, particularly for courses such as Diploma of Rural Health, Bachelor of Exercise Science and Bachelor of Nursing. The introduction of preferential rural course selection has seen marked improvement in courses such as physiotherapy and dentistry, which tended to attract high numbers of students of metropolitan origin. The pathway diploma, which leads into nursing and social work Bachelor degrees, has seen a marked increase in enrolments following the name change to Diploma of Rural Health from Diploma of Health Sciences. Currently, there are 72 students studying this diploma over the 4 rural campuses, which is a 148% increase from 2023 enrolments. This pathway course now has uncapped student enrolments and is attracting many mature-aged students who want the additional academic support and the opportunity to build confidence before taking on a Bachelor degree. The UDRH works closely with local TAFEs at each rural/regional campus, with some co-located and articulation agreements in place to give credit for the first year of Bachelor degrees. Over recent years, the number of student placements in MM 3-5 locations has increased through support from smaller health services. Conclusion Providing end-to-end health course offerings in regional/rural areas, removing enrolment barriers and enabling quality rural placements and work-integrated learning opportunities is having an impact on increasing the supply of rural health professionals. Strategies to increase the number of Indigenous students undertaking health courses are still needed, including working closely with local Aboriginal health services. The approach of place-based education and growing your own rural health workforce will provide sustained solutions to workforce shortages.

Robyn McNeil

Biography:
Show

Robyn is a Research Fellow with 20 years’ experience in research and evaluation in qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Robyn works in rural health with special interests in adolescent mental health, rural health workforce and innovative models of care for rural communities. Her research interests are driven by lived experience of living and working in a rural community to ensure rural communities experience quality health, education and social services to deliver optimal outcomes. Robyn's principles of practice include social justice, inclusion, respect and using an equity lens for delivering reform in health including addressing political, social and structural determinants of health. Robyn works collaboratively in every project and prefers capacity building and co-design approaches to working with stakeholders building on existing strengths.

Poster Title:

Understanding the value of an allied health service-learning program through implementation outcomes

Abstract:
Show

Background People living in rural and remote areas of Australia experience reduced access to healthcare in part due to the systemic maldistribution of the health workforce. University Departments of Rural Health (UDRH) as part of their remit of the Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training program, work in collaboration and partnership with rural communities to facilitate student clinical placements. A service-learning model provides the reciprocal benefits of immersive rural workplace training opportunities for university students, and much needed allied health service delivery into rural communities with limited access. The University of Melbourne Going Rural Health (GRH) service-learning model involves deep partnership and collaboration with local health and community services, local allied health professionals, and multiple universities, to deliver service learning. The GRH service-learning program has grown and matured over the last decade, to include 38 sites across health, education, aged care and the community sector, and a wide range of allied health disciplines. The program has delivered real world professional experiences for hundreds of university students, and allied health services to numerous communities. Given the maturity of the program, it is timely to understand the impact of the program. An important component of understanding impact is to understand the drivers for successful adoption and sustainability of the program, by examining the implementation process. Aim: To explore and understand implementation of the GRH service-learning program at a variety of rural community and health services in Victoria. Method This study used a nested implementation outcomes study within a broader implementation and outcomes evaluation of the service-learning program, underpinned by a REAIM/PRISM framework using a convergent mixed methods approach. This approach is designed to examine the GRH service-learning conceptual model, implementation of the program and program outcomes. Implementation outcomes were captured using an online survey prioritising validated and reliable measures examining feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness and their relationship to adoption of the program. Surveys were sent to key stakeholder groups: host site leadership, host site staff and allied health supervisors across a range of current and previous organisations that hosted the service-learning program. Survey findings were explored in subsequent interviews with participating stakeholders. Results Surveys were received from all three key stakeholder groups, including 82% of all allied health supervisors approached. Preliminary analysis indicates that 25% of respondents were very uncomfortable initially being involved in the program, and almost 30% reported it was a lot of effort to be involved. However, almost all respondents reported that they could see the value of the program as the program had demonstrated positive outcomes for their organisation and their clients. Many respondents indicated that the program was applicable, feasible and appropriate for their setting and for their clients. Key determinants related to successful implementation and program sustainability were identified. Future work will focus on how implementation contributes to student and community outcomes. Conclusion Examining the implementation outcomes, challenges and enablers to implementation at different sites from different stakeholders, provides valuable insight into the requirements for successful implementation and sustainability of the service-learning program in rural communities.

Dr Isabelle Meyer

Biography:
Show

Isabelle Meyer joined Dementia Training Australia as Executive Director in February 2023. Isabelle has extensive experience as a Senior Executive managing delivery of services in the Health and Education sectors. Previously an advisor to the Australian Commonwealth Government, the WHO and World Bank, and major health providers, Isabelle has led various transition and service reform initiatives, including Emergency Patient Transport, Maternal Health, Indigenous Health, Mental Health Support, Palliative, End of Life and Residential Health Care, NDIS and Community Aged Care services and vocational education programs. Former roles include Deputy Chief Procurement Officer for NSW Health; CEO of Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries NSW; General Manager, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Australian National University; Chief of Staff, Senior Advisor, and Director of Social Policy, Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. Isabelle is dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of people living with dementia and the staff who support them.

Lightning Talk Title:

Great Care Everywhere: Enhancing Workforce Capability for Dementia Care across Australia

Abstract:
Show

Background By 2050 over 1 million Australians will be living with Dementia – more of them will be under 65 than over it and living with Dementia for a very long time. More will be living in the community, rather than in formal residential care and as many as half of those people will be attempting to remain at home in regional and remote communities. While the new Aged Care Act proposes a human rights focus for the delivery of Aged Care, it does not provide for minimum standards of knowledge and skills for any care worker or health care professional in relation to Dementia. In the face of that gap, Dementia Training Australia has developed the National Dementia Education and Training Standards Framework. The Framework outlines the skills and knowledge needed to provide quality care in any setting. Methods Co-designed with people living with Dementia, clinical experts, carers and families, the framework outlines the expectations for carers and health care professionals across all disciplines and is supported by a self-assessment tool to identify skills gaps and learning opportunities. Automated self-assessment and group assessment tools have also been developed so that the framework can be used a training and recruitment guide by organisations, as a self-paced learning and performance improvement guide and as a benchmarking tool. Available for free on-line, implementation and use are supported by face to face and on-line learning opportunities, accessible anywhere. The framework covers 14 domains of care and sets out the 3 tiers of knowledge and skills needed to progress from basis to specialist levels of care. Dementia Training Australia is funded by the Commonwealth Government to supply free face to face and online training anywhere in Australia to support improved Dementia Care. We train carers, Allied Health Professionals, GPs, nurses first responders and others as needed, in remote and regional communities across Australia Results Since its launch in March this year the Framework has been used by over 7,000 people and organisations. It has been endorsed by the World Health Organisation as a best practice tool to assist in the development of carer and workforce capability and to improve access and equity of care. Conclusions The Framework is designed to improve equity of care and improved quality of care for those living with Dementia. It provides organisations and individuals with the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge and monitor delivery of dementia diagnosis and care. This presentation will provide an overview of the framework, how to use it and outline the supports available from Dementia Training Australia to implement it, anywhere.

Dr Dougal Middleton

Biography:
Show

Dougal is a Senior Sport and Exercise Physician Registrar. Dougal has grown up and worked in predominately rural areas including Tasmania and Cairns. Dougal completed a Bachelor of Physiotherapy in Perth. He then completed his medical degree in Brisbane before moving to Cairns to continue his training, predominantly in Orthopaedics where he worked as an Orthopaedic Registrar. Dougal has furthered his education by completing a Masters in Trauma (Orthopaedics) through the University of Newcastle, and a Diploma in Musculoskeletal Medicine through the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. In 2025 he has been accepted as a Diplomate member of the Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine in the UK. Dougal started his specialty training whilst in Cairns under the supervision of Dr Kira James (FACSEP) in private practice as well as in Australia's first public hospital Sport and Exercise Medicine clinic promoting sports medicine in rural and remote areas of North Queensland.

Oral Presentation Title:

Evaluating the outcomes of Australia's first all age public hospital sport and Exercise Medicine Outpatient Clinic: A retrospective cross-sectional study

Abstract:
Show

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of Australia's first public hospital all-age Sport and Exercise Medicine Outpatient Clinic (SEMOC). Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study of patients referred to, and reviewed in the SEMOC, during a study period from March to October, 2023. Outcomes were the number of appointments, number of patients reviewed, proportion reviewed within Queensland Health recommended timeframes, patient satisfaction, proportion of First Nations patients, and the rurality of the patients based on the Modified Monash Model (MMM) of remoteness. Results: There were 29 clinics, 472 allocated appointments, and 270 new patients referred to the SEMOC (1.7 appointments per patient). Almost a quarter (23.7%) of patients identified as First Nations and a third (31.9%) were from rural or remote regions. Most (88.7%) patients referred during the study period were seen within the Queensland Health recommended timeframes, and almost all patients referred on for Orthopaedic review were booked for surgery (93.6%). Over 90% of patients were satisfied with the quality of treatment they received and rated the overall service as good to excellent. Conclusion: A SEMOC public hospital model has been shown to be feasible for providing care to patients with musculoskeletal conditions, reaching patients who face barriers to healthcare, reducing wait times and improving referral for surgery. The model may assist in meeting Australia’s growing demand for orthopaedic and musculoskeletal medicine, and expanded within Australia’s public hospital system to become a nationally accepted practice.

Emily Murphy

Biography:
Show

With extensive experience in the NGO sector, Emily Murphy is currently working on APNA's Building Nurse Capacity program. Prior to joining APNA, Emily co-designed and delivered projects focused on improving access to primary health care amongst Roma communities in Ireland. Emily has a Masters in Gender, Rights and Globalisation and is passionate about initiatives that are evidence-based and community-informed.

Dr Erin O’Connor

Biography:
Show

Erin is a rural generalist from South Australia. She grew up in the Mid North of the state, and worked in a regional hospital Emergency Department for eight years. She currently works at the SA Virtual Care Service.

Poster Title:

Behind the Screens: Residential Aged Care Nurse Perspectives on a Virtual Care Service

Abstract:
Show

Introduction Following the 2021 launch of a statewide Virtual Care Service (VCS) in South Australia, the VCS established a direct pathway for Residential Aged Care Home (RACH) staff to access the service. This project aims to understand RACH nurses' experiences while engaging with the VCS to support their residents. Methods This qualitative study was conducted in February 2025 using semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes from the data, exploring participants experiences using the VCS. Results Twelve participants employed in RACHs across South Australia participated in interviews. In analysing the transcriptions, researchers identified five overarching themes, each comprising two sub-themes: Care pathways (access to medical care and bridging gaps); Coordination (challenges in decision to access and importance of clinical documentation); Efficiency (resource management and timeliness of access); Technology (usability of technology and reliability and performance); and Family (perception of VCS and participation in decision-making). Discussion Although each theme identified current challenges in RACHs engagement with the VCS, participants emphasised support for the VCS. Regional participants appreciated the availability of virtual care support when local services were not available. Key learnings include extended VCS operational hours to meet overnight RACH care needs. In regional areas, access to allied health via a virtual care service may be of benefit. Regional facilities noted virtual care identified and addressed specific challenges for impacting regional support, such as medicine availability. Virtual care was identified as being able to facilitate conversations with families regarding end-of-life care when they were not able to be present, which can be a challenge in regional areas. Conclusions This study identified various challenges and opportunities for delivering VCSs into RACHs. Indeed, while RACH nurses value the specialist support received from the VCS when managing urgent resident care needs, continual evolution in this relationship is essential to address their increasing healthcare demands. Indeed, VCSs may offer a strategy to manage some of the medical workforce issues in some regional parts of the state.

Adjunct A/Prof Belinda O’Sullivan

Biography:
Show

Belinda is a longstanding rural health workforce and policy researcher who values solutions focused research and evidence and targeting value for investment for rural communities. She has consulted for the WHO and Australian and Victorian governments and worked across multiple university, not for profit and government roles over her career in public health and rural policy and research.

Oral Presentation Title:

A solutions focused framework for IMGs to thrive in rural general practice pathways

Abstract:
Show

Background: Australia is heavily reliant on international medical graduates (IMGs) for rural primary healthcare services. However, there is no national strategy addressing collaborative strategies for IMGs to thrive and continue in rural general practice career pathways. The aim of this research was to co-design a national framework to guide collective action around supporting IMGs from the point migration to completing a range of rural GP pathways, drawing on insights of IMGs across the sector and currently in training. Method: Realist evaluation and participatory action research involved recurrent rounds of focus groups, interviews and feedback cycles exploring strategies to drive IMG comfort, confidence, competence, belonging and bonding (established levers in the research literature), as they encounter various contextual challenges. Participants included GP systems stakeholders, training teams in prevocational and vocational rural GP training, supervisors and IMGs in rural GP training. The IMG voice was promoted. Results: Overall, 185 people expressed interest and 41 were invited to participate (majority were IMGs). The framework was informed by a 10-person Project Advisory Group. The range of strategies became progressively more populated and nuanced until the research team felt saturation was reached and there was limited additional feedback. Strategies to build comfort, including access to information and resources, were most critical at the point of migration and acclimatising to Australia. Strategies to promote confidence, competence and belonging to the community such as supportive supervised workplaces and local introductions, were most prominent when moving to new workplaces/communities. When training to become a specialist GP in a rural area, strategies around building on IMG background capabilities, using scalable resources and family focused training for professional belonging and bonding were increasingly important. Together the strategies were shaped into a coherent graphically designed framework to provide a blueprint for promoting IMG security, connections, recognition and choice within rural general practice careers, on the path to better recruitment and retention. Conclusions: The framework provides a reference point for multiple end users by covering an integrated solutions focused perspective of what is needed when IMGs migrate and progress along various rural GP pathways. The research highlights that fostering a culture of collaborative support for IMGs will improve recruitment and longer-term retention.

Nicole O’Reilly

Biography:
Show

Rachel Pilowsky currently works at Royal Far West as a Senior Speech Pathologist. She has previously worked in a variety of settings, including Child and Family Health services, an Aboriginal Medical Service, the NDIA, Private Practice and at the University of Sydney as a Research Clinician. Rachel is passionate about working with children, particularly in the primary school years, and partnering with schools to implement speech pathology practices and supports in classroom settings. Rachel's special interest areas include fluency (stuttering), literacy, and collaboration with school communities. She lives in Sydney and is a bit too obsessed with her dog, Polly.

Oral Presentation Title:

Group speech therapy for narrative language skills via telehealth

Abstract:
Show

Aims To develop the narrative language skills of children at-risk for language difficulties. To increase the ‘reach’ of intervention given limited resources available to support children in need of speech therapy who live in regional and rural locations. Context Royal Far West currently partners with Catholic Diocese Schools in NSW and QLD to deliver speech therapy services for children who would otherwise be unable to access supports, often due to reasons such as (but not limited to) lack of locally available services and costs to families. Group language therapy is a potentially viable solution to the challenge of multiple children requiring speech therapy where only limited places may be available. Intervention 16 Students from grades 1 – 3 participated in a weekly speech therapy language group via Zoom from their school over the course of a semester (two school terms, approximately 16 sessions). Each group had 4 students from the same grade level and were supported to attend sessions by a school staff member such as a Learning Support Officer (LSO). Session content was derived from the Talk for Writing process, a whole of class approach to teaching writing skills that first involves developing a student’s oral language skills. The process was adapted to a group online format. Students learned a range of new words (vocabulary knowledge), as well as a ‘model text’ that allowed them to enhance their own story telling and writing skills through the process of structured innovation and use of visual supports. Evaluation Prior to intervention, each student completed 2 assessment tasks (known as ‘cold tasks’ within the Talk for Writing approach). The first task evaluated student’s existing knowledge of Tier 2 vocabulary that featured in the target model text. Student vocabulary knowledge was categorised into three groups – ‘known’, ‘unsure’ and ‘unknown’. The second task required students to generate a narrative from a picture stimulus. Student narratives were scored for sentence complexity and presence of story grammar features. The same tasks were completed with each student at the conclusion of the group. Findings Overall, students demonstrated improvement across both vocabulary and narrative skill domains. Attendance at group also provided other benefits to student participants, such as peer modelling, increased confidence to contribute in a group setting, and building a positive connection to learning. The supporting LSO’s developed skills in group facilitation and language skill support. Conclusion Online language therapy groups are a potential solution to utilising resources in a way that has a positive impact on as wide a student population as possible. Further evaluation of the group process and session content will enhance ongoing service delivery.

Madie Prendergast

Biography:
Show

Madie is an Accredited Practising Dietitian who works at Alice Springs Hospital. She adopts a Rural Generalist approach to her practice, covering a variety of clinical areas such as critical care, renal, surgical, medical patients with her current focus being oncology and critical care. This includes participation in the Allied Health Rural Generalist Training Program with a two-year project that aims to provide Central Australian patients with access to nutrition care in the oncology space. Madie enjoys being able to step outside of work and be a part of the community, volunteering for a local AFL club as one of the Women’s Team representatives on the club committee and has just been approved to be a member for the NT branch of Dietitians Australia, where she will begin advocate for all Territorians to receive better nutrition opportunities and care.

Poster Title:

Malnutrition screening in oncology, findings from a Rural Generalist Program project.

Abstract:
Show

Aim: To develop dietetics services for oncology patients in Central Australia to improve patient outcomes. More specifically, to introduce malnutrition screening into the service to streamline referrals and provide patients with access to Dietetic supports along their cancer journey. Background: Malnutrition is a preventable condition that affects the function and recovery of every organ system and results in increased morbidity and mortality. People experiencing cancer are at a higher risk of malnutrition. Adequate nutrition and nutritional support from Dietitians in the oncology setting is a key component to prevent and treat malnutrition and thus increase chances of success of cancer treatments. Malnutrition screening is a reliable and efficient way to identify patients who are at high nutritional risk so they can be prioritised within a service. Malnutrition prevalence and access to dietetic services is particularly nuanced inremote Central Australian oncology service. This project aims to improve access to dietetic services for oncology patients in Central Australia by identifying, implementing and evaluating the introduction of a malnutrition screening tool to standard care. Methods: A needs assessment was conducted to inform the development of dietetic services in a Central Australian oncology unit. A pragmatic literature review was conducted. Perspectives of patients and staff were collected using surveys and focus groups to explore the importance of nutrition along their cancer journey. Benchmarking with other services was used to compare referral pathways, patient numbers and full-time equivalent (FTE) dedicated to oncology dietetics. Findings / Recommendations: It is recommended that malnutrition screening is undertaken at diagnosis, at each treatment and performed by a nurse. The use of a valid and reliable malnutrition screening tool should be created in electronic form for nursing staff process efficiency. Increased funding in dietetics and oncology services, including FTE specific for dietetics in oncology should be considered to ensure patients are prioritised appropriately. Implementation/Action: An electronic screening tool was created with automatic referrals sent to dietetics if a patient scored at risk of malnutrition. The next phase of the project is to implement and evaluate its effectiveness in providing patients with access to dietetics. A comparison of referral numbers pre and post implementation will be evaluated to guide future FTE recommendations.

Q

Dr Claire Quilliam

Biography:
Show

Dr Claire Quilliam is a research fellow with The University of Melbourne Department of Rural Health, living on Yorta Yorta Country in Shepparton, Victoria. Claire is autistic. Claire co-founded and is a member of the Australian Rural Health Education Network (ARHEN) Rural and Remote Disability Community of Practice. Claire works alongside rural and metropolitan researchers to identify and develop sustainable rural health workforce development approaches and engage rural disabled people in disability policymaking.

Oral Presentation Title:

And beyond the cities? How the NDIS Review overlooked rural and remote

Abstract:
Show

Background The National Disability Insurance Scheme, effective since 2013, aimed to address fragmented disability services and meet the needs of people with significant, lifelong disability by providing ‘choice’ and ‘control’ over the services they use. A decade later, Australians with disability in regional, rural, and remote areas still face inequitable service access compared to metropolitan residents. Australia, as a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, is committed to providing essential services to all people with disability, regardless of their location. The 2023 Independent Review of the NDIS proposed 26 recommendations and 139 actions to enhance the NDIS and improve service equity. Aim This study explored the extent to which the processes, recommendations, and actions described in the NDIS Review considered regional, rural, and remote contexts and communities, along with the needs of people with disability in these communities. Methods Nordberg’s distributed rural proofing concepts of spatial justice and social innovation were used to examine the NDIS Review sections for content relevant to regional, rural, and remote areas. Analysis notes were merged across sections to identify key themes within the two concepts, which were then reviewed and refined by the team through iterative writing cycles. Results The NDIS Review noted that the National Disability Insurance Scheme had enabled the provision of services to a significant number of Australians with disability, many of whom were accessing services for the first time and may have been ineligible under previous schemes. However, it also acknowledged that the NDIS Review consultation process did not adhere to an authentic co-design approach. The process relied on earlier disability policy documents to identify key issues for discussion during the consultation phase. The Review recognised regional, rural, and remote people with disability, although this sub-population was often overlooked when other sub-populations with disability in Australia facing service access inequity were noted. Placeless and marketised language was used to describe issues of poor service access impacting people in regional, rural, and remote communities. The NDIS Review neglected regional, rural, and remote contexts in the recommended actions to improve service access. Innovations, including those requiring new workforces, were metrocentric in design and rarely included information on their implementation in non-metropolitan settings. The Review described innovations that conflated the service needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability, with those of people with disability living in rural and remote communities. The Review largely overlooked rural innovations and did not mention how rural knowledge would be harnessed in the new national committees overseeing innovation implementation. Conclusions The NDIS Review failed to adequately consider the contexts and service needs of people with disability in regional, rural, and remote communities. It failed to propose recommendations and actions suitable for regional, rural, and remote contexts and community members. It is essential that these community members are more actively engaged in policymaking to ensure their ways of living shape service innovations, allowing Australians with disability to access the services they need, no matter where they live.

Oral Presentation Title:

A framework for designing, implementing and evaluating high-quality rural health placements

Abstract:
Show

Background: High-quality rural health placements are crucial for ensuring learning opportunities that contribute to world-ready students who are prepared to engage in their future careers. These placements are important for enhanced rural service delivery, fostering community trust, creating industry-university-community partnerships and providing experiential learning opportunities. The provision of these learning experiences is a key tenet of the Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training Program; a well-established Australian government initiative. Despite the significance of rural health placements as an education and workforce initiative, there is no current shared understanding of what constitutes a high-quality rural health student placement. This is concerning given the requirement for the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency to assess the delivery of placements. The Australian Government is also seeking more rigorous and efficient evaluations of these programs. There is a growing imperative to establish an evidence-informed approach to designing, delivering and evaluating rural health student placements. Researchers based in University Departments of Rural Health (UDRHs) are perfectly situated to address this gap in knowledge due to their extensive practice knowledge, connection with placement stakeholders, geographical coverage, and interprofessionality. Methods: A group of 12 rural researchers working across the UDRH network instigated a research program to determine the features of high-quality rural health placements. The research program was undertaken across five years and included a scoping review, a mixed methods sequential explanatory study, and a qualitative study Employing COnceptUal schema for policy and Translation Engagement in Research (ECOUTER). The results of these studies were then analysed together using a manifest content analysis. This final component of the research program drew on the understanding of epistemological triangulation as a way to reveal different dimensions of high-quality rural placements, noting the multi-faceted and complex nature of these programs. Theoretically, this work was informed by Dewey’s (1938) work on experience as education and Robert’s (2014) rural standpoint approach. Using this approach, the results of the studies across the research program were used to create a framework that defined the features of high-quality rural health placements. Results: The content analysis was used to create and define 30 features of high-quality rural health placements. These features were categorised into five overarching and interwoven components, including 1) A foundation for engagement in rural learning, 2) Co-location, connection and collaboration, 3) Processes, people and pedagogy, 4) Student choice, allocation, and advocacy, and 5) Placement infrastructure, resources, financial support and safety. These features can be used to understand and apply concepts of quality to rural health placements, while accounting for the heterogenous nature of the communities and locations in which these programs are enacted. Conclusion: The framework created through this research program provides a first step towards understanding the components required for high-quality rural health placements. This framework provides a shared understanding of a high-quality rural health placements to reduce variability across these programs and enhancing reliability. It also points to the resource requirements for these programs, while honouring the nuance of delivering rural health education in diverse communities.

Patrick Quinlan

Biography:
Show

Patrick Quinlan is a data analyst at the School of Rural Health, Monash University, where he specialises in data management, analytics, and study tracking. With a strong background in IT systems, database management, and coding across multiple languages, Patrick supports research initiatives by designing, maintaining, and optimising data workflows. His work ensures the accuracy and accessibility of critical study data, helping drive strategic insights and informed decision-making. Passionate about improving rural health outcomes, Patrick brings technical expertise and strategic thinking to every project.

Lightning Talk Title:

The importance of data structure and availability on machine learning modelling

Abstract:
Show

Background Access to healthcare remains one of the most persistent challenges facing rural communities in Australia. While numerous strategies aim to address health workforce shortages, the key to more targeted and effective interventions may lie in predictive analytics. This presentation explores how machine learning models—built on well-structured, high-quality data—can help forecast which students are likely to practise rurally after graduation, enabling proactive planning and resource allocation. Data Preparation: The Critical Foundation Effective predictive modelling starts with clean, integrated, and contextually rich data. Drawing on recent initiatives within a rural health school, we examine how disparate data sources—including university records, regulatory datasets, and census information—have been unified into a relational database. Special attention is given to data cleaning, standardisation, and validation processes. These steps are not just technical requirements but strategic imperatives—ensuring models are reliable, and free from bias introduced by poor data hygiene. Machine Learning for Workforce Prediction Using this structured dataset, it’s possible for future machine learning models to identify the likelihood of a graduate entering rural practice. Variables such as rural origin, placement history, academic pathway, and student-reported intentions feed into classification models that provide actionable predictions. This approach enables universities and policymakers to better target support and interventions for students most likely to enter the rural workforce—or those at risk of not doing so. Strategic Impact and Scalability The potential of predictive modelling extends beyond forecasting: it supports strategic planning, real-time workforce monitoring, and informed policy development. These models can be extended to other universities, organisations, and government bodies in order to assist with rural workforce planning. Conclusion Predictive analytics represents a transformative opportunity in rural health workforce planning—but only if underpinned by clean, well-maintained data. As such, investment in data quality is not optional; it is essential. This talk highlights the dual importance of robust data foundations and advanced analytics in driving smarter, evidence-based solutions to rural workforce challenges.

R

Melba Ridd

Biography:
Show

Melissa (Melba) Ridd works as a balanced academic within Flinders University’s University Department of Rural Health in Darwin, NT. Melba has lived and breathed the Northern Territory for well over a decade, working as a speech pathologist in community health settings. Melba’s passion for quality clinical education grew when beginning her journey into clinical supervision of speech pathology students in the workplace. She recently completed a Master of Clinical Education at Flinders University. She now works to build the skills and knowledge of NT allied health, nursing and medical clinical supervisors and students alike. Melba enjoys lecturing within Flinders University’s Remote Health Practice postgraduate award course. Melba believes that learners should be nurtured and guided through transformational, memorable, and emotive learning moments. Since completing her Master’s degree in 2024, Melba began performing stand-up comedy to enable her passion for edu-tainment to evolve even further!

Oral Presentation Title:

A framework for designing, implementing and evaluating high-quality rural health placements

Abstract:
Show

Oral Presentation Title:

Heart to Practice: Growing Access to Rural Clinical Supervision Training

Abstract:
Show

Context Flinders University has a Department of Rural Health (UDRH) in the Northern Territory with campuses in Darwin, Katherine, Nhulunbuy, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs. Since 2012, the UDRH has offered training in clinical supervision to healthcare professionals who educate and support learners in the workplace. Historically, training has been run out of Darwin by a team of two academics and one professional staff member. Professional development in rural and remote areas is limited, especially face to face, and the turnover of healthcare professionals remains high. As awareness and popularity of the UDRH clinical supervision workshops grew, capacity to deliver became more challenging and the costs involved continued to rise. Intervention Workshop content and resource changes were made to provide a more enriching learning experience for participants and to better meet diverse learning needs and busy workplaces. Video content was updated to include local actors representative of the NT population and signposting and subtitles were included. Workbook text was reduced and, in recognition of rostering issues, an option to attend only day one was offered. A webpage was developed to provide information and to simplify registration for participants. Additional educational value for participants was included in 2025 through streamlined entry into postgraduate award courses in clinical education. Improvements were also made to benefit other NT academics and professional staff involved in facilitation and delivery of the workshop. This resulted in accessible training, step-by step user-friendly guides (including task lists and delegation), standardised PowerPoints, standardised timetables and mechanisms for peer evaluation of teaching. There is also ongoing opportunity for staff to provide feedback and further suggestions for improvements. Findings In 2024, the workshops were delivered eight times over five sites with a total of 171 participants. Participants and advance registrations indicate similar numbers for 2025. Two healthcare professionals who completed the workshop have now taken the streamlined pathway to enrol in a postgraduate course in clinical education with Flinders University. In most cases in both 2024 and 2025, local staff were able to deliver the workshops unaided or via online support. Four new academic staff members and guest speakers were able to join the team and deliver the content locally. Conclusions The 2024 figures show a significant increase on the 2023, pre-intervention numbers (five workshops, three sites, 103 participants). The ability to run the workshops in our more remote sites has increased as we are able to utilise more local staff as facilitators, avoid excessive travel and accommodation costs, and be more flexible around unforeseen community events or changes in facilitator availability. The administrative changes have allowed for better data collection as registration records are all kept in one place. Having dates set in advance for each site has allowed better marketing, planning and participant attendance. Sustainability of the program is no longer reliant on the same few staff members. Future possibilities using this approach include rolling the program out to Flinders Rural and Remote footprint in South Australia.

Lightning Talk Title:

From Insight to Impact: Scoping Out Remote Allied Health Models of Practice

Abstract:
Show

Background Allied health professionals in remote Australia face significant challenges, including professional isolation, extended scopes of practice, and limited access to contextually relevant education. Existing practice models are typically discipline specific and urban focused. Hence, there is a limited guidance on realities of remote practice and there is no current unified model to support the education and practice of allied health professionals in remote settings. This study aims to identify existing models of practice and inform the development of a remote allied health practice model. To achieve this aim, the main study is divided into two sub-studies: a scoping review of the current practice models followed by a qualitative study to explore the applicability of the findings to the real world and develop a transdisciplinary remote allied health practice model. This abstract outlines the first part of the study, the scoping review. Aim The aim of this scoping review is to identify the models of practice that are currently used by allied health teams working in remote health settings and explore how these models could better facilitate transdisciplinary practice in remote areas. Methods This scoping review was conducted using the PRISMA-ScR framework. The aim of the review was to identify and map current models of allied health practice, and how these might be adapted to facilitate transdisciplinary practice in remote areas. Using the PCC (Population–Concept–Context) framework, the review focused on allied health professionals across various disciplines and models of practice. A comprehensive, three-step search strategy was implemented, including initial scoping of key databases, a full search across multiple platforms, and manual reference screening. Selection and data extraction was conducted by four reviewers in two stages: a pilot followed by the final selection and review. All disagreements were resolved by consensus. Extracted data covered key study details and practice models and their characteristics. A thematic synthesis was used to analyse the extracted data, enabling the identification of practice models, transdisciplinary features, and adaptations relevant to remote contexts. Results The selected data sources include peer-reviewed journal articles, grey literature, policy and strategic documents and practice guidelines. Study designs of the selected articles include both quantitative and qualitative studies. Data analysis identified a limited number of allied health models utilised in remote practice, with telehealth identified as a common practice model. A collaborative transdisciplinary model was the most reported, where professionals shared roles and responsibilities across disciplines. Multidisciplinary practice models were also evident, promoting coordinated input from various allied health professionals. Another commonly reported model was a community-based approach, specifically developed for culturally distinctive communities. Conclusions The review highlights a limited range and type of models currently used in remote allied health practice. Notably, no model identified was specifically developed for remote allied health settings. Hence, it is a significant research gap, highlighting the need for the development of an allied health practice model that addresses the unique challenges of remote allied health practice.

Poster Title:

Northern Territory non-medical placements: student characteristics, satisfaction and workplace intention: 2022-2024

Abstract:
Show

Background Healthcare workforce shortages in rural and remote areas contribute to poorer access to services and worse health outcomes compared to other areas. The Australian Government’s Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training (RHMT) program is designed to encourage the recruitment and retention of rural and remote health professionals by ‘supporting effective rural training experiences’ for health students. Flinders University works under this program to grow the numbers and quality of nursing and allied health placements in the Northern Territory (NT) through its University Department of Rural Health (UDRH). One of the indicators of intention to work in rural and remote areas is satisfaction with placements undertaken in such areas. Methods Cross-sectional survey to determine placement satisfaction and workplace intentions for students who have undertaken a placement longer than one week in the Northern Territory (2022-2024) and were registered with Flinders University UDRH. Results There were 242 completed responses from 1458 students (16.6%). Nursing students made up 36% of respondents. Respondents undertook placements in Alice Springs (36%), Darwin (34%), Katherine (14%), Nhulunbuy (7%) and Tennant Creek (8%). Majority of respondents were from Flinders University or Charles Darwin University and 6% identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. Almost all respondents (91%) were satisfied with their placement. Of those who had had a previous metropolitan placement, 74% felt that their NT placement was better. ‘This placement was life changing and I would recommend every [discipline] student complete at least one remote placement. Additionally, Flinders made the transition so seamless with the car and accommodation and having a point of contact to call if needing support.’...Katherine placement student. 88% felt that they were able to meet the learning objectives of their placement with activities and resources provided. 81% were happy with their workplace supervision. ‘The hands-on experience in acute care, combined with [the supervisor’s] exceptional mentorship and the facilitators’ daily guidance, enriched my clinical skills and confidence. Working in a supportive team environment ... deepened my understanding of patient-centred care, making this placement an invaluable and transformative educational experience’...Alice Springs placement student Prior to their placement in the NT, 55% had considered living and working in a remote location after graduation. After placement, this had increased to 81%. ‘.. come with the most open mind and heart. There will be challenging moments, but there will also be so many amazing opportunities, even just to explore nature outside of placement. Do all of this without judgement and challenge biases and assumptions that arise for you’. Katherine placement student Although cultural training and exposure were not specifically mentioned in the survey, many students indicated this was a positive aspect to their placement and learning experience, especially if placed in a more remote setting. Conclusions Most nursing and allied health students were satisfied with NT placements supported by the UDRH. This satisfaction positively influences intention to practice in underserved areas.

Dr Kristy Robson

Biography:
Show

Dr Kristy Robson is a Senior Research Fellow with the Three Rivers Department of Rural Health at Charles Sturt University. Kristy has significant experience working as a clinician, academic and researcher in rural and regional areas for the past 28 years contributing to improving health outcomes for community members living in rural and regional Australia. Kristy has undertaken extensive research in the areas of healthy ageing, chronic disease, and rural health services evaluation. She has a keen research interest in sustaining rural health workforce and in interprofessional collaboration, as well as developing interprofessional experiences of allied health students, both in Australia and internationally. Kristy is the co-founder of Wellness 2 Age, an innovative strengths-based program to support older rural community members to age well. Kristy also sits on a number of boards and committees at a local, state and national level to advocate for quality health outcomes for rural communities.

Oral Presentation Title:

Wellness 2 Age; Supporting rural older people to age well

Abstract:
Show

Background Ageing can be associated with reduced independence, mobility, and social isolation, which leads to an increased risk of becoming dependent on health and aged care services. With an increasing ageing Australian population and limited access to services within rural areas, we need innovative approaches to better support older rural people to age independently. The Wellness 2 Age Program adopts a strengths-based, person-centred approach to simultaneously improve the mobility, cognition, and social wellbeing of older rural community members through activities that are aligned to individual participants’ goals. The program runs for 1 hour per week for 10 weeks and involves graded activities to support individual needs, which are explicitly linking to home-based activities so that learnt strategies can easily translate into the older person’s everyday environment. Initially delivered in one rural NSW location, the aim of this research was to determine whether the acceptability, feasibility and efficacy of the Wellness 2 Age program was maintained under different rural community-based services to inform scale-up more broadly across rural areas. Methods A prospective multi-site cohort study employing a mixed methods study design was used to evaluate the Wellness 2 Age program, with older people who participated in the program, and with allied health staff, allied health assistants, and aged care support staff who facilitated the program at each site. A range of online and paper-based surveys, standardised pre and post outcome measures, and semi-structured interviews were undertaken to evaluate the outcomes of implementing the program. Feasibility and acceptability surveys were analysed using descriptive statistics. Paired-samples t-tests were used to measure change on standardised outcome measures over the 10-week program. Thematic analysis was utilised to analyse the qualitative data from interviews. Results Eighteen staff were trained to deliver the program across four sites, with 29 older people completing the program during 2024. All staff indicated that the program was either completely feasible or feasible to some degree to deliver at their organisation. Most older people reported that all elements of the Wellness 2 Age program were completely acceptable, regardless of which site they participated at. Older participants across the sites demonstrated statistically significant positive improvement on self-rated occupational performance and satisfaction using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, with a large intervention effect. Older participants also demonstrated statistically significant improvement on mobility, cognition, and quality of life, with a medium to large intervention effect. Finally, three qualitative themes were identified from interviews with older participants; 1) The supported and adaptive program structure enabled engagement, 2) Skilled implementation balanced safety with encouragement and humour, 3) Opportunities existed to enhance clarity and connection. Conclusion The outcomes of this multisite study demonstrate that the Wellness 2 Age program can suit diverse rural settings while maintaining a structured foundation to ensure consistent outcomes. The ability to successfully implement the program across a range of health and aged care services suggests that it is adaptable to the local needs, while utilising the available rural workforce.

Dr Curtis Roman

Biography:
Show

Dr. Curtis Roman is a Larrakia man born and raised on Larrakia country. He has taught at undergraduate and postgraduate level and has supervised PhD students. He is currently Senior Lecturer Aboriginal Health, Flinders University. He has worked in academia, the public sector and Aboriginal and community organisations. He has published on Indigenous topics in academic journals in Australia and abroad and has delivered many public seminars.

Oral Presentation Title:

Racism from an Indigenous Perspective. Learn about it and Teach it

Abstract:
Show

Background People know little about racism. As a multicultural society we should want to know more about it. It has long been present in society, particularly for Indigenous people. Indigenous people encounter racism more than other people and encounter it daily. Despite this, they rarely raise it with others and only share their experiences with other Indigenous people. They do not share their experiences because they know there is a reluctance to hear about racism. Racism impacts on all aspects of Indigenous people’s lives. To understand their daily challenges, we should learn about racism, how they perceive it and how it impacts on them. This presentation will provide people with information about racism from an Indigenous perspective, including how Indigenous people perceive it, how it impacts on them, and how we can reduce these impacts and avoid perpetuating it. The presentation will also provide advice on how to tech about racism and anti-racism. The presentation is based on the presenter’s previous PhD research and two papers he published in Australia and abroad. Aim Often, people attend cultural awareness sessions where racism is not mentioned. These sessions do not educate about how Indigenous people perceive racism, the impact racism has on them and how they respond to these perceptions. It is important that any education about racism is safe for all, and practical advice is provided about how to avoid racism and how to respond to it. It is important that people understand racism, are not perpetuating it, and are supporting people who experience racism. This presentation will ensure that all attendees understand racism from an Indigenous perspective. It is crucial that people have a clear understanding of racism. Failing to develop this understanding perpetuates racism and its impacts. Attendees will also learn how to deliver racism training. This is important as anti-racism training is much needed. At the core of this training, is providing a culturally safe place for all people to learn about racism.

Dr Bronwyn Rossingh

Biography:
Show

Dr Bronwyn Rossingh’s experience working in remote Aboriginal communities in WA and the NT extends over 30 years having been Principal Researcher and Project Manager on many programs and research projects. She has extensive experience in developing programs and evaluative models. Bronwyn is committed to supervision, mentoring and supporting Indigenous research students. Bronwyn has a background of business and governance, board directorships and was the Chief editor for an international journal. Currently working for Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation as Research Manager, she manages, coordinates and supports over 30 research projects as well as being Chief Investigator on numerous projects. She is responsible for forging strong relationships with research institutions across Australia and ensuring respectful pathways that align with the vision of Aboriginal community leaders. Her recent work has involved establishing culturally safe and respectful research governance and research practices to encourage and support Indigenous people to drive research and other projects to ensure that priorities and outcomes are based on their own vision, dreams and aspirations.

Lightning Talk Title:

The wind has changed and it is getting harder to feel cool

Abstract:
Show

Background This co-designed and co-led project aims to explore lived experiences of community members and key stakeholders regarding health impacts of extreme environmental exposures using co-designed tools and resources to bring about awareness and work together to formulate strategies to reduce negative health impacts. Yolŋu community groups living on the Gove Peninsula in the Northern Territory carry vivid memories of what life was like when they were younger. The bush foods that they ate, how they kept cool and the many traditional activities that provided connection to country and to their rich and strong culture. A recent collection of stories arising from this citizen science project conveys a unique story about the hardships and struggles of life today. Methods Analysing the changes over the past 50 years coupled with current and future climate projections data and stories conveyed through the Yolŋu lens, reveals factors related to the changing environment including heat and humidity and the impacts of pollution on what was once pristine healthy land with abundant food sources. Findings By synthesising the analysis of data collected from air monitors, water and soil specimens with the stories that Yolŋu share is providing valuable learnings and insights to the impacts of climate change that are interfering with the balance of a healthy and sustainable life style that was once known but is now an uncertain future. We explore further and wider with different groups to understand the changes associated with climate change and engage local Yolŋu as citizen scientists to lead the study and propose a way forward to recapture some of those memories and transform them into a revitalised form that can one day heal the land and heal the people.

A/Prof Deborah Russell

Biography:
Show

Biography:
Show

Alesha is an Australian Physiotherapy Association Titled women's and men's pelvic health physiotherapist with almost 20 years' clinical experience. She is completing a PhD through the University of Canberra, exploring physiotherapy service provision in prostate cancer in metropolitan and regional/rural Victoria. Alesha is passionate about research capacity and capability building, providing research mentorship, teaching and support across western Victoria. Alesha holds research translation lead and coordinator positions with Grampians Health and Western Alliance, and delivers clinical teaching to the University of Melbourne post graduate women’s and men’s pelvic health physiotherapy program.

Oral Presentation Title:

Mechanisms contributing to successful implementation of a regional weekend physiotherapy service

Abstract:
Show

Background: Implementation research strategies aim to reduce the gap between the application of best evidence, and policy and practice change to promote uptake of research findings. Knowledge brokering is a proposed implementation strategy and involves the engagement of a mediator or knowledge broker who facilitates communication and collaboration between decision-makers and researchers to support knowledge transfer. The health service conducting this study participated as a control site in a cluster randomized controlled trial in an NHMRC partnership project ‘Evidence Translation in Allied Health’ (EviTAH). The EviTAH study assessed the impact of knowledge brokering as an implementation strategy for allied health weekend staffing changes, which in this context was the establishment of a Saturday inpatient physiotherapy program. Despite the EviTAH knowledge broker intervention not significantly improving service uptake during the study, our control site achieved successful implementation. This research aimed to understand the processes and contextual mechanisms influencing the successful implementation of a weekend physiotherapy pilot on an inpatient rehabilitation at the health service. Methods: This study was conducted in two phases at a large, public regional health service in western Victoria, Australia. A mixed methods process evaluation, using a case study methodology was adopted. Phase one involved the interviewing of staff involved in program implementation and was guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and analysed using a framework approach; and content analysis of documentation and written communication associated with the program. Phase two involved mapping of the contextual factors that emerged from phase one to a knowledge brokering mechanism map. Results: Three themes were identified from the interviews: 1) Collaboration in innovation, 2) Evidence-based service development for best use of staff resources, and 3) Influences on service sustainability. Content analysis found that aligning the weekend physiotherapy service with stakeholder priorities, developing an evidence-based business case, and fostering effective communication with stakeholders promoted multi-level support for implementation and sustainability. The mechanism map highlighted an organisation driven, team-based knowledge brokering approach. Key knowledge broker activities included evidence acquisition, synthesis and communication, decision making, sourcing and provision of resources, and fostering social links. Multi-level knowledge brokering involvement emphasised the importance of manager and executive level capabilities to understand and interpret data to translate evidence into practice. Conclusions: A team-based and hospital-driven knowledge brokering approach facilitated the implementation of a regional weekend inpatient physiotherapy service. Management and executive level research capacity and capability, particularly in the realm of understanding data and associated research evidence, needs consideration. Mechanism mapping provided a deep understanding of the contextual factors that contributed to successful implementation to optimize service provision and patient care.

Poster Title:

Regional and metropolitan patient experiences with physiotherapy management in prostate cancer.

Abstract:
Show

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) treatment is often curative but potentially accompanied by quality of life and physically limiting side effects. These include bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunction, pain, and morphological and metabolic changes. Physiotherapists provide supportive care for people with PCa. A common modality is pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) to manage post operative urinary incontinence, radiation induced pelvic floor symptoms and sexual dysfunction. PFMT is often supported by technologies such as transperineal real time ultrasound (TPUS). Whilst physiotherapy demonstrates positive outcomes in PCa, evidence of patient experiences with physiotherapy management is limited. This is particularly evident for patients located in regional, rural and remote areas. There is a need to understand physiotherapy care in PCa from the patients’ voices in different geographical regions and clinical settings. This study aimed to investigate patient experiences when attending physiotherapy for PCa supportive care in multiple settings and locations across Victoria, Australia. Methods: A qualitative, exploratory phenomenological approach was adopted, and one-to-one interviews via a semi-structured interview schedule were conducted. The inclusion criteria were people who had been diagnosed with PCa in the previous 12 months, aged 18 years and older, and were receiving treatment or monitoring for PCa in Victoria, Australia. An inductive and data driven approach using reflexive thematic analysis was undertaken by all team members. Results: Twenty-nine people participated, with physiotherapy being accessed in metropolitan Melbourne (public n=8, private n=11), regional Victoria (public n=6, private n = 2), and mixed regional and metropolitan public (n=2). Four themes were identified from the data: 1) Symptoms of PCa can be distressing and patients are not aware that physiotherapy can help (symptomatic consequences of PCa treatment were distressing to patients and they weren’t always aware that physiotherapy could assist. As such, there was a reliance on other multi-disciplinary team members to educate and refer, occasionally resulting in missed supportive care opportunities); 2) PFMT is viewed as vital in managing urinary incontinence, but the exercises can be difficult (PFMT is beneficial and should be initiated as early as possible and physiotherapist supervised. However, performing the exercises was reported as difficult, with a lack of confidence in technique); 3) TPUS is beneficial for promoting confidence and learning the pelvic floor muscle contraction technique (TPUS is highly beneficial as a biofeedback tool for correct technique, with participants recommending that patients source a physiotherapist trained in this skill); and 4) Physiotherapy can be difficult to access in public and regional settings (Lengthy wait lists, travel burdens and clinicians lacking specific skills in regional and public settings often resulted in missed opportunities for timely interventions). Conclusions: Patients receiving physiotherapy supportive care during PCa treatment benefit from clinicians who are skilled in the prescription of PFMT and TPUS. Patient and health professional awareness of services and bolstering availability of public and regional services will facilitate timely access and prehabilitation opportunities to deliver the right care at the right time.

David Schmidt

Biography:
Show

David Schmidt works for the University of Sydney's School of Rural Health. He has a passion for rural research capacity building, having worked the last 15 years for NSW Health as a coordinator of the long-running Rural Research Capacity Building Program. His passion for research education extended into a PhD through the University of Sydney on the topic of research capacity building in the rural health workplace. David is a founding co-chair of the R3ShARE Network, a national Rural, Remote and Regional research capacity building network. You may have noticed that research capacity building is his thing. But when he's not doing that he draws cartoons, makes music and writes poetry. So if research capacity building isn't your thing, you can always talk to him about those other passions.

Oral Presentation Title:

Stronger Together: Empowering Rural Research through Education-Health Partnerships

Abstract:
Show

Background Rural, remote and regional (R3) healthcare is shaped by unique settings, population characteristics and health conditions. Preparing the future R3 workforce for these contextual challenges requires an understanding of these unique attributes, something that is best achieved by R3-specific research. Research active health services are associated with better patient outcomes, but with limited numbers of experienced researchers in R3 areas, health services may seek to build research capacity. Research capacity building (RCB) is a process that adds to individual and organisational skills and abilities to conduct health research, shaping the future of rural and remote healthcare. Multiple approaches to RCB have been implemented and collaborations between educational institutions and health services is one example. These collaborations can harness respective strengths across organisations, with potential for high impact and mutual benefit. To understand these collaborations, this scoping review examines and describes the collaborative strategies employed to enhance the research capacity of health service staff. This abstract focuses on the R3 partnerships identified in the review whilst drawing on learnings from the wider review. Methods Informed by Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review framework, we systematically searched four major databases: Medline, CINAHL, Embase, and Cochrane, focusing on publications after 1995. Collaboration, Research Capacity, Health Services, and Health Workforce were the primary concepts, contexts and populations guiding the search. These concepts were expanded using synonyms that were decided through team discussion. We established inclusion and exclusion criteria through iterative team discussions and used Covidence throughout the two-stage screening process and data extraction. Results From 1462 initially identified studies, 61 were selected for the review. Nineteen studies specifically focused on rural partnerships between educational institutions and health services for building research capacity of health service staff. Studies predominantly hailed from Australia, USA, UK, and Canada with rural models largely from Australia and Canada. Collaborative approaches to RCB included training, mentoring, shared funding, and networking. Rural partnerships focused on training health staff as first-time researchers, reflecting the emerging research skill set in R3 contexts and the need to build research from a widely distributed base. In rural areas funding partnerships were less prominent, reflecting both the low quanta of rural research funding and a tendency for rural research collaborations to rely on goodwill and existing relationships. Our findings emphasise the importance of tailoring approaches to local contexts, something that adds intrinsic value for both collaboration partners. Despite the known value of team-based healthcare, approaches focused largely on individual interventions like training and mentoring, with team-level interventions notably scarce. Conclusion Our review highlights that a diverse range of approaches have been implemented to develop research capacity through collaborations between health services and educational partners. For R3 partnerships, relationships are at the heart of collaborations. We recommend focussing on building from existing relationships and ensuring mutual goals are established early. Despite a resource-constrained environment, long-term collaborative success does rely on sustainable infrastructure and this must be a focus for partners to work towards. Working together can enable partnerships that prepare the R3 workforce for future research activity.

Dr Claire Seaman

Biography:
Show

Claire currently works as a Research Fellow at Three Rivers DRH, having previously worked as a Program Evaluator. She is experienced in collaborating with rural clinicians and researchers on projects examining rural workforce outcomes, clinical workflow processes, and placement experiences. Claire has a PhD in Sociology , with broad interests in quantitative and mixed methods research, geospatial applications, and use of psycho-social theories in evaluating education and workforce initiatives.

Lightning Talk Title:

Person-centred analysis of first-year rural nurses' work attitudes and intentions

Abstract:
Show

Background Organisational behaviour research has identified that autonomously motivated workers have better occupational well-being and retention. In the rural health literature, it is well-established that those with greater place attachment, such as locals with strong social networks in the area, are more likely to be recruited and retained in the rural health workforce. It is unclear how these two major components of retention function among Australian rural health professionals and relate to their rural work attitudes and intentions. Informed by self-determination theory as well as place-based and whole-of-person approaches, this analysis explored the utility of a quantitative person-centred approach to identify subgroups (“classes”) of commencing first-year rural nurses and examine their work attitudes and intentions. Methods A cross-sectional survey of commencing first-year nurses was conducted in two Australian rural health districts, with a 91% response rate. A two-step latent class analysis of 159 responses was undertaken with two indicators of perceived professional opportunity and three indicators of local connection and rural training. Three outcomes assessing work attitudes (occupational happiness and attraction to staying and working rurally at first-year site) and future rural work intentions were compared across subtypes. Results Four classes of rural first-year nurses were identified. There were key differences between the classes on the assessed outcomes. Early career nurses who were rural-locals with highest perceptions of professional opportunities had the highest intention to remain working rurally and were happiest. Non-locals with high perceptions of opportunities were significantly happier than both rural-locals and non-locals with lower perceptions. Conclusion Identified subtypes of rural first-year nurses differed in work attitudes and future rural workforce intentions. Early career nurses who were rural-locals and perceived positive professional opportunities had the highest intention to remain working rurally. This research demonstrates how a quantitative person-centred approach can illuminate heterogeneous subgroups within a rural health workforce to inform more targeted recruitment and retention strategies. The process and utility of this method for use by rural health organisations and researchers is discussed.

Poster Title:

Person-centred analysis of first-year rural nurses' work attitudes and intentions

Abstract:
Show

Gauri Sharma

Biography:
Show

Gauri Sharma is a fourth-year medical student at Western Sydney University, currently completing a two-year rural placement at the Bathurst Rural Clinical School. She has been her cohort’s representative since starting medical school and has a strong interest in rural health and medical education. Her MD project, which she is presenting, investigates the career outcomes of Rural Clinical School graduates with the aim of informing long-term RCS structures and rural workforce planning.

Lightning Talk Title:

From Placement to Practice: Where Do Rural Clinical School Graduates Actually End Up?

Abstract:
Show

Background: Tracking alumni career outcomes is a Commonwealth requirement for continued funding of Rural Clinical Schools (RCS) in Australia. This study aims to longitudinally track Western Sydney University (WSU) graduates who completed their RCS placements in Bathurst to identify specialty choices, work locations and the personal, professional and contextual factors influencing these decisions. The findings of this study will inform targeted improvements to rural training programs and guide strategies to enhance health workforce distribution strategies in underserved regions. Methods: This was a longitudinal cohort study using a mixed-methods approach. Data was collected from 179 doctors who undertook medical school placements at Bathurst RCS between January 2011 and December 2024. A multimodal contact strategy involving emails, texts and phone calls was utilised to maximise response rates. Data was collected via publicly available information (AHPRA, Facebook, LinkedIn and Google), and surveys administered either online via Qualtrics or by phone. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative responses were thematically reviewed. Outcomes: Internship location data was available for all 179 graduates, with 88% (n=158) completing internships in metropolitan hospitals, 2% (n=4) interstate, and only 10% (n=18) in rural settings — none of which occurred prior to 2016. Of these graduates, 73% (n=131) had follow-up data obtained through self-completed surveys (26%), phone-administered surveys (33%) and online sources (41%), with information identified for over 50% of graduates in each cohort (2011–2024). Among respondents, specialty outcomes were diverse, with General Practice being the most common (n=36, 27%), followed by Paediatrics (n=13, 10%), Emergency Medicine (n=7, 5%) and Anaesthetics (n=7, 5%). Only 13% (n=17) of graduates were working rurally in 2025, with 65% (n=11) of them attributing this to training obligation rather than personal preference. Qualitative findings indicated that these career decisions were mostly shaped by familial factors, specialty pathways, and job availability. Suggested strategies from respondents for promoting rural retention included early rural exposure, rural-based specialty pathways, and ongoing postgraduate support. Conclusions: The study found that despite widespread investment in RCS placements, the majority of WSU graduates continue to train and work in metropolitan settings, suggesting that rural exposure during medical school alone is insufficient to achieve long-term rural workforce outcomes. Personal and systemic barriers, particularly limited access to rural specialty training and the impact of family obligations, heavily influenced career decisions. Improving rural workforce outcomes requires strategies beyond medical school placements including end-to-end rural training models and consistent postgraduate support to address ongoing gaps in rural healthcare delivery. While the time-intensive nature of this longitudinal, mixed-methods approach is a limitation, its success demonstrates its utility for other RCS seeking to evaluate graduate outcomes and improve program design. Future research should compare outcomes with metropolitan and other rural cohorts to further inform national rural workforce policy.

Sylvia Sharpe

Oral Presentation Title:

Gemma Tuxworth

Lightning Talk Title:

Building the Rural and Remote Allied Health Assistant Workforce

Abstract:
Show

Introduction The Building the Rural and Remote Allied Health Assistant Workforce (BRAHAW) program aimed to assist rural and remote private and non-government allied health services in extending their capacity and reach by establishing and implementing Allied Health Assistant (AHA) models of service delivery. The keystone to achieving this was the provision of a tailored package of support developed and implemented by Services for Rural and Remote Allied Health and funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care. Methods An external evaluation of BRAHAW was undertaken by the Poche Centre for Indigenous Health. The evaluation employed mixed methods, including qualitative interviews with AHAs, allied health professionals and managers, and a quantitative review of health service data. Results Thirty-four BRAHAW training packages commenced in 18 organisations across the country, including 17 packages with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations. BRAHAW's projected success rate was 87%. Findings BRAHAW is an acceptable and desirable program, likely to be an effective model for increasing the number of AHAs to support service delivery. The financial support, resources, coaching, and adaptability of the program were critical to its success. Social and cultural factors have a profound influence on the recruitment and retention of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders AHAs. Quantitative demonstration of impact was limited due to the availability of data. Conclusion BRAHAW enabled workplaces and individuals to develop safe and quality AHA service delivery models that supported their workplaces and communities. Policy implications and recommendations for future implementation include ongoing support for rural and remote workforce development and further exploration of the impact at the community level.

Gemma Tuxworth

Biography:
Show

Oral Presentation Title:

A feasibility randomised controlled trial of Behavioural Activation for people in custody

Oral Presentation Title:

Implementation of Community Pharmacy Prescribing Services – increasing health equity in Townsville

Abstract:
Show

Background: Regional communities across Australia face barriers to accessing timely, high-quality healthcare. In Townsville, there are only two practices accepting walk-in appointments, both with long wait times. One is a Commonwealth funded Urgent Care Clinic. All practices routinely have between 2 and 5 weeks wait to see the patient’s regular GP; and between 1 and 3 weeks wait to see the next available GP. Many GP and practices are closing their books to new patients. These challenges require innovative, sustainable solutions. This abstract explores the success of the Queensland Community Pharmacy Scope of Practice Pilot. We examine the requirements for implementation in regional Queensland encompassing regulatory frameworks, professional training pathways, and clinical governance. Methods: The Queensland Health Pilot required legislative amendment via an Extended Practice Authority attached to the Medicines and Poisons Act 2019. Implementation included further training, consultation room specifications and adherence to protocols for services. Clinical governance was applied across the program. The post graduate training by university pharmacists and doctors challenged the pharmacist to consider how to take biopsychosocial histories, work through diagnostic techniques and ensure that behaviours from the National Prescribing Service MedicineWise Prescribing Competencies Framework are understood. The training also covered clinical assessment for diagnosis of the narrow range of conditions and supported the exclusion of ‘red flag’ symptoms for immediate referral to GP, and management of the conditions covered in the protocols. Results: Five pharmacists from two of our pharmacies were trained and available to provide consultations. Each pharmacy purchased an examination table and other medical equipment for existing consultation rooms to meet the requirements of the pilot program. The training of all staff, new equipment and procedures for the pilot services has enhanced the quality of all pharmacy services. The new systems have improved the quality of patient notes, and the quality and frequency of our communications with a patient’s regular GP. The Patient Consult Module with secure messaging integration has improved clinical governance across the industry nationally, not just within the pilot. The majority of patients are presenting without a regular GP, and these are being coached back into a regular GP or regular practice. Building on the success of Community Pharmacy Prescribing for UTI, the next most common consultations at our pharmacies are now for Hormonal Contraception and Travel. The pilot is being independently evaluated, however the success of the program in addressing inequities of patient access throughout Queensland is already clear. Sufficient evidence exists, that Queensland Health confirmed that pilot programs for 17 of the 21 protocols will become permanent practice from 1 Jul 25. More than 135 community pharmacists have delivered more than 1,700 occasions of service, opening another avenue for patients to receive the right care at the right time, safely and effectively. Conclusions: The successful implementation of services under the Pilot in pharmacies across Townsville has confirmed a new model of collaborative primary care. Health access for regional patients has improved. Collaborative care and clinical governance have improved.

Amelia Williams

Lightning Talk Title:

Aboriginal Health Practitioners in Pharmacy: Bridging Cultural Gaps for Better Health

Abstract:
Show

Aboriginal Health Practitioners in Pharmacy: Bridging Cultural Gaps for Better Health Outcomes Background First Nations Australians face significant health disparities and barriers to healthcare access, including in pharmacy settings. The Aboriginal Health Practitioners (AHP) in Pharmacy pilot program was established to integrate AHPs into community pharmacies in Gunnedah and Tamworth in North West NSW. The project aimed to reduce cultural barriers, improve medication management, and enhance health literacy among First Nations clients. This initiative represents an innovative approach to addressing cultural barriers within conventional healthcare settings. Methods Two AHPs were embedded within two large community pharmacies to provide culturally appropriate support and education to First Nations clients. Through this program, a culturally safe space was created in pharmacies for clients to engage in incidental, open, two-way conversations about their health with a trusted health practitioner. This included dedicated consultation rooms conducive to maintaining privacy and confidentiality and signals such as signage and uniforms to indicate First Nations cultural safety. Outcomes were related to facilitating healthcare navigation and enhancing medication adherence, improving access to health screenings, and strengthening connections between pharmacy staff and Indigenous communities. Evaluation methods included quantitative surveys at 3-month intervals, qualitative interviews with stakeholders, and tracking of client engagement metrics. Results Preliminary assessment of current data indicates significant early impact with 120 First Nations people engaged through the program to date, and 3 months remaining in the pilot timeframe. Key outcomes include successful connection with clients not previously engaged with the organisation’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs, providing opportunities for enhanced chronic disease management. The program has facilitated warm referrals to additional health and social services, improved access to health screenings, and strengthened connections between pharmacy staff and Indigenous communities. AHPs report anecdotal evidence of improved confidence among returning clients in accessing pharmacy services and navigating medication regimens. A notable achievement has been the participation of 55 First Nations clients in a cholesterol and HbA1C screening initiative at the pharmacies, enabling early detection of, and education around, chronic disease risk factors. Conclusions The Aboriginal Health Practitioner in Pharmacy program demonstrated positive outcomes in reducing barriers to healthcare access for First Nations communities. By embedding AHPs into pharmacy and creating culturally safe spaces within this setting, improvements in medication management, health literacy, and overall engagement with preventative healthcare services were made. Preliminary findings suggest this model has potential for broader application to address healthcare disparities for Indigenous communities in other rural and remote regions. This innovative partnership between Aboriginal Health Practitioners and community pharmacies represents a practical approach to bridging the cultural gap in health outcomes and life expectancy for First Nations peoples.

Elaine Wills

Oral Presentation Title:

Healthcare barriers for Indigenous women with violence-related traumatic brain injury

Abstract:
Show

Oral Presentation Title:

Staff perspectives of a care-to-community pathway for Indigenous women with traumatic brain injury from violence

Abstract:
Show

Kureisha Wilson

Oral Presentation Title:

What makes telehealth successful in a very remote Central Australian Aboriginal community?

Abstract:
Show

Dr Torres Woolley

Biography:
Show

Dr Torres Woolley is the Evaluation Coordinator for the James Cook University (JCU) College of Medicine & Dentistry in Townsville, Australia. TW has over 25 years’ experience in a range of research and evaluation methods, analyses and software for both quantitative and qualitative methods, with a strong focus on the use of complexity-aware techniques in impact evaluations. His work predominantly involves evaluation of graduate outcomes and curriculum learning activities across the undergraduate programs of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy at the JCU.

Lightning Talk Title:

Factors impacting financial and health outcomes of patients travelling for specialist care

Abstract:
Show

Background A significant burden for rural health systems and patients is accessing specialist care not available locally, with cost-of-living increases in accommodation and travel far exceeding recent small increases in Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (PTSS) re-imbursements. Evidence suggests patient health outcomes can be improved without increased costs if doctors take a patient-centred care (PCC) approach with patients during consultations. Thus, travel costs and other barriers facing rural patients needing specialist care could be reduced if referring GPs apply PCC to factor in patient preferences, financial resources and capabilities in decision-making around the most appropriate out-of-town specialist for their health issue and how best to travel there and back. This study quantifies the impact of a referring doctor’s prior rural training and patient-reported level of PCC on the financial and health outcomes of remote patients requiring travel for specialist-led care. Methods This study used patient surveys and PTSS data from the southwest hospital and health service (SWHHS); ethics # HREC/2023/QTHS/99552. Participants were southwest Queensland patients from in and around Charleville and St George who had recently travelled to larger regional or metropolitan cities for specialist consultations and later reimbursed for a proportion of travel costs via the PTSS. Data collected on the recent out-of-town specialist visit included the patient’s reported health outcomes, out-of-pocket travel expenses, and their referring GPs level of PCC (via a validated 9-item PCC tool), with additional data collected on health system costs (PTSS dataset of the SWHHS) and the GP’s prior rural training (ACRRM Fellowship versus ‘Other’ via AHPRA website). Findings Initial survey data from Charleville and St George (n=17) patients travelling for out-of-town specialist care, linked to AHPRA data and the PTSS database of the SWHHS, found an association between those patients having a referring GP with an ACRRM Fellowship and reduced travel costs to both them and the health system ($287 less per PTSS-related trip), as well as improved likelihood of patients receiving “good care and advice from the chosen out-of-town specialist” (p=0.069). Analysis also identified patients rated ACRRM-trained GPs higher in regards “shared decision-making in choosing the out-of-town specialist” (p=0.078), as well as their GP’s “understanding of the patient’s barriers (low income, culture, lack of private transport, etc) associated with travel to the specialist” (p=0.005), and the patient’s “ability to self-manage the specialized health issue” (p=0.074). Conclusions Findings suggest significant associations between remote GPs receiving postgraduate rural training and experience via an ACRRM Fellowship and reduced costs of travel to patients and the health system, as well as better patient-perceived health advice and care from the out-of-town specialist; suggesting a more appropriate choice of specialist in terms of both travel and provided healthcare. Findings also suggest these positive patient health and financial outcomes associated with ACRRM training is due to more shared decision-making in choice of out-of-town specialist, and understanding and incorporating any barriers the patient may have in terms of travel (income, culture, mobility, lack of private transport, etc), and capability to self-manage the specific health issue – all key components of PCC.

Y

Dr Tami Yap

Biography:
Show

Tami is an Australian-registered Oral Medicine Specialist and clinician-researcher at the Melbourne Dental School. She is the Lead, Impact and Engagement and Co-Lab Head of the Oral Medicine & Oral Cancer Group. Her translative research focus is on early detection of oral cancer and oral mucosal disease. Tami is passionate about making a difference for individuals affected by oral cancer and precancer.

Lightning Talk Title:

A task-shared oral cancer screening pilot at a Victorian Agricultural Community touchpoint

Abstract:
Show

Background Oral cancer, a significant global health issue, has poor prognosis when diagnosed late. With individuals living further from treatment centres experiencing higher cancer risk and poorer outcomes, access to early detection is crucial. The study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a task-shared telehealth-enabled oral cancer screening protocol at a rural agricultural community touchpoint – the Wimmera Machinery Field Days. Methods Participants were recruited at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days in 2025 with promotion via various methods before and during the field days. Health promotion workers from West Wimmera Health Services were trained in standardized oral photography and the use of software MouthMap. Consenting participants completed questionnaires and underwent intraoral photography. Images were uploaded into MouthMap software for remote specialist assessment. Data on feasibility, acceptability, diagnostic accuracy, and user experience were collected and analyzed. Participants received detailed reports with follow-up recommendations actioned as per standard care. Results Forty-nine participants (25 females and 24 males) took part in the protocol during the 3-day event. The average age of participants was 75 years, and they resided in 17 different LGAs with the majority from Horsham, Northern Grampians and West Wimmera. Six of 49 (12%) indicated that they last saw a dentist ‘longer than I can remember’ and a further 11 (22%) chose ‘more than a year’. Half of the participants indicated that the photography was ‘very comfortable’ whereas 6 (12%) indicated ‘very uncomfortable’. Forty (82%) stated that the protocol was ‘completely acceptable’, whilst the remaining 9 (18%) stated the protocol was ‘acceptable’. Eight (16%) of participants had an oral abnormality identified that required a priority biopsy, a further 3 (6%) required referral for active monitoring. Abnormalities requiring priority biopsy were identified with differentials of oral potentially malignant disorders. Conclusions The task-shared screening protocol was acceptable to all participants. Identified actionable abnormalities were found in 1 in 5 participants, exceeding the expected population prevalence of 1 in 20 for potentially malignant disorder. This innovative approach aimed to bridge the gap in oral cancer screening for rural communities, potentially improving early detection and patient outcomes while reducing unnecessary patient travel and enhancing rural health collaborations. By decentralizing screening and empowering local health workers, the project is important first step whilst considering systemic barriers to care, sustainability and scalability in implementation.

Jay Yeaman

Biography:
Show

Jay Yeaman is a first-year medical student in the Flinders University Northern Territory Medical Program (NTMP), based in Darwin. He holds a Bachelor of Biomedical Science from the University of Southern Queensland, graduating as Faculty Medal recipient and 2022 Valedictorian. He later completed an Honours degree in Medical Science at the Australian National University, where he conducted epitranscriptomic research on circular RNA in the Shirokikh Laboratory at the John Curtin School of Medical Research. Jay is actively involved in student leadership as a committee member of the Flinders Medical Students' Society NT (FMSSNT) and a member of the student Surgical Society. He has a strong interest in surgery, particularly in paediatrics, and is committed to improving health equity through culturally safe clinical practice. Jay is currently working alongside his colleagues Casey Bell and Dr Rosh Bakmeedeniya on a project examining informed consent processes for surgical procedures involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients. He will be presenting their work at the 10th Rural and Remote Health Scientific Symposium.

Lightning Talk Title:

Investigating Barriers to Appropriately Consenting Aboriginal Patients for Surgical Procedures: Scoping Review

Abstract:
Show

Background: Informed consent is not only a pillar of ethical medical practice, but also pivotal to achieving positive health outcomes. Within the Australian healthcare landscape, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) peoples continue to experience disproportionate surgical access compared to non-ATSI Australians. From July 2019 to June 2021, only 66% of Aboriginal patients admitted to hospital had a surgical or medical procedure recorded, compared to 78% of non-Aboriginal patients. Low procedure rates are more pronounced in the Northern Territory, where only 56% of Aboriginal hospitalisations included a recorded procedure. Multiple studies indicate that a key contributor to these disparities is inadequacy of culturally safe and appropriate informed consent processes in surgical contexts. Research undertaken in remote Australian hospitals has highlighted that communication barriers, particularly relating to language and continuity-of-care, are associated with poor health outcomes, patient mistrust, and increased rates of discharge against medical advice (DAMA) and take own leave (TOL). A recent Queensland study found that over 90% of DAMA cases involved factors such as substance use or absence of culturally sensitive care. Another study at Royal Darwin Hospital’s renal unit found that repeated scheduling issues and language miscommunications significantly contributed to patients feeling misunderstood and opting to leave care prematurely. These studies reflect not only poor procedural uptake but also point to a deeper systemic issue of failing communication with ATSI patients in Australian healthcare settings. In the event of failing communication, it follows that patients are not being appropriately informed about their healthcare and therefore are unable to provide genuine informed consent. This scoping review is part of a larger plan to develop an introductory program for surgical staff across the Northern Territory to improve culturally sensitive consenting processes. Aims and Objectives:

Identify and synthesise current literature examining the sociocultural, systemic, and communication-based barriers to obtaining informed consent from ATSI patients in a surgical context.
Identify gaps in current research specific to surgical consent processes in ATSI surgical contexts.
Provide recommendations aimed at improving the cultural safety and efficacy of consent procedures for Aboriginal patients in a surgical context.

Methods: The methods for this project involve a systematic scoping review using resources such as Medline, CINAHL, and PubMed, in collaboration with the Menzies School of Health Research. Accepted literature will not be restricted to the Northern Territory, however recommendations will be focused on implementation at hospitals in the Northern Territory. In addition to a literature review, clinical cases and data relating to DAMA and surgical consent processes in ATSI patients will be accessed from hospital records, where available. Studies included will be evaluated for quality, thematic relevance, and relevance to surgical contexts. An analysis will be undertaken to develop a draft framework for improving cultural safety in consent procedures. Findings and Conclusion: The findings and conclusions of this study are expected to be analysed in time for inclusion in the symposium presentation to ensure a comprehensive overview of the research outcomes.

Z

Dr Benxiang Zeng

Biography:
Show

Dr Benxiang Zeng is Senior Research Fellow at Menzies School of Health Research, and Research Coordinator at Central Australian Aboriginal Congress (An ACCHO in the NT). He holds an honorary appointment with Charles Darwin University as Adjunct Senior Research Fellow. Dr Zeng is an experienced multidisciplinary researcher based in Alice Spring, NT. He has demonstrated knowledge, skills and experiences in research of public health, tourism management, Indigenous issues, and regional development. He is currently coordinating a few health research projects studying rural and remote health services, including the characteristics and performance effectiveness of remote aeromedical retrieval services, and the impact of Aboriginal people's attendance of PHC on reduction in potentailly avoidable hospitalisations.

Oral Presentation Title:

Stakeholder perceptions about effective aeromedical retrieval service models in remote Australia

Abstract:
Show