RURAL HEALTH TRAINING HUBS CRUCIAL TO CLOSING INDIGENOUS HEALTH GAP

Community engagement work in Geraldton. (Supplied:WA Centre for Rural Health)

BY ASAD KHAN

New review highlights benefits of culturally safe rural health workforce programs

A new University of Western Australia (UWA) review has found that rural health training hubs are playing a vital role in improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

The study examined 46 academic papers and concluded that University Departments of Rural Health (UDRHs) help build a culturally safe rural health workforce through student training, clinical placements, and community engagement.

Embedding Indigenous perspectives in education

Researchers found that embedding Indigenous perspectives in health education not only supports better care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, but also helps retain Indigenous health professionals in rural areas.

Geraldton students cultural training. (Supplied:WA Centre for Rural Health)

Lead author Emma Taylor said UDRHs provide health students with first-hand experience in remote and regional settings.

“These University Departments of Rural Health basically facilitate rural training and placements for nursing and allied health students,” she said.

“They support professional development for rural health professionals and conduct research on rural and remote health issues, which is really important because a lot of health research has traditionally been based in big cities.”

Carnarvon students cultural training. (Supplied:WA Centre for Rural Health)

Addressing the rural health gap

The review suggests that expanding UDRHs and strengthening their community partnerships could help address the shortage of culturally competent health workers in rural and remote Australia.

Ms Taylor said the unique positioning of these hubs allows them to connect universities, health services, and local communities in ways that directly address health inequities.


Listen to Ngaarda Media’s Asad Khan speak with Emma Taylor:











Community, Health, Western AustraliaTangiora Hinaki