Understanding rural and remote health: A framework for analysis in Australia

Bourke, Lisa; Humphreys, John Stirling; Wakerman, John; Taylor, Judy

doi:10.1016/j.healthplace.2012.02.009

Cited by 182 publications

(203 citation statements)

References 37 publications

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“…The remaining 48 people were interviewed. An information statement, consent form, brief questionnaire and a long and summary version of a draft conceptual framework for rural and remote health were sent to each interviewee 9 . Three respondents would agree only to be interviewed together.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Is remote health different to rural health?

Wakerman

Bourke

Humphreys

et al. 2017

Rural Remote Health

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Introduction:The study identifies the differences between rural health and remote health and describes key distinctive characteristics of remote health. Methods: The study used a mixed method approach of interviews and questionnaires (utilising a Likert scale) with expert stakeholders in rural health and remote health. A total of 45 interviews were conducted with experts selected from every state and territory of Australia. Of these, 41 also completed a questionnaire, of which 21 respondents were female, 20 identified predominantly as academics while six, five and five indicated that they worked in policy, advocacy and as a practitioner, respectively. Thirteen worked in rural health, 10 in remote health and 18 in both; 23 participants worked in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health. Respondents had worked in rural health or remote health for mean periods of 13 years and 8 years, respectively. Results: Means for each of 15 characteristics indicated that respondents viewed each characteristic as different in remote health compared to rural health. Interviews confirmed these perceived differences, with particular emphasis on isolation, poor service access and the relatively high proportion of Indigenous residents. Those working in remote and Aboriginal health most strongly identified these distinctions. Conclusions: A detailed and rigorous description of the discipline of remote health, and the differences to rural health, will assist policymakers, health planners, teachers and researchers to develop an appropriate workforce, models of service delivery and policy that are relevant, appropriate and effective in order to ensure a more equitable distribution of resources and health outcomes across this vast continent.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Is remote health different to rural health?

Wakerman

Bourke

Humphreys

et al. 2017

Rural Remote Health

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“…Most communities have a variety of services located within the community and an even greater number of visiting service providers which means a complex service delivery web. Health services are characterised by having a small number of staff who have high and complex workloads and undertake multiple roles [15,21], and the quality of communication and collaboration between these services is varied [22].…”

Section: Remote Contextmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A primary healthcare approach is considered the most appropriate service model for health and aged care in all remote communities [21] and must include intersectoral collaboration or even a 'whole of community' approach to be effective [23]. While art centres can be a valuable collaborative partner in health [17], new conceptual understandings may assist to enhance such collaborative possibilities.…”

Section: Remote Contextmentioning

confidence: 99%

Role of art centres for Aboriginal Australians living with dementia in remote communities

et al. 2017

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Objective: To explore the role art centres in remote communities play for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians living with dementia. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was undertaken, with no restrictions on articles regarding year of publication. Results: Art programmes have been found to be of benefit to both people living with dementia and their carers, particularly when programmes are administered in environments that are culturally revered. Findings indicate remote art centres play a key role in maintaining traditions, culture and practices unique to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, but there is a gap in knowledge regarding how they cater for the needs of people with dementia. Conclusion: Addressing this gap will be helpful in remote areas where prevalence of dementia is up to five times that of non-Aboriginal people, and there are limited health and support services. Further research is required to explore strengths and gaps of current practices.Policy Impact: Innovative policy and practice approaches are needed to address the high prevalence of dementia in remote Aboriginal communities. Art centres have the potential to play a formal and collaborative role in supporting people living with dementia and their carers maintain social participation and access health and aged care services in a timely manner.

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“…Farmer et al (2012b) identify a lack of theoretical framework for understanding the impact of rural context upon health practice. In attempting to remedy this, Bourke, Humphreys, Wakerman, and Taylor (2012) draw upon Giddens' structuration theory to explore the impact of the interconnection of structure (social institutions) and agency (individual capacity for action) on health practice in rural communities. In short, Giddens (1984) argues that while people make conscious choices about their actions these actions occur within a social context and social norms that people position themselves in relation to.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Regional responses to the challenge of delivering integrated care to older people with mental health problems in rural Australia

Henderson

Dawson

Fuller

et al. 2017

Aging & Mental Health

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Objective: Integrated care has been identified as means of managing the demands on the healthcare budget while improving access to and quality of services. It is particularly pertinent to rural health services, which face limited access to specialist and support services. This paper explores the capacity of three rural communities in South Australia to deliver integrated mental health support for older people.Methods: Thirty-one interviews were conducted with local health and social service providers from mental health, community health, general practice, residential aged care, private practice, NGOs and local government as part of a larger action research project on service integration.Results: Participants highlighted differences in service delivery between the communities related to size of the community and access to services. Three structural barriers to delivery of integrated care were identified. These are as follows: fragmentation of governmental responsibility, the current funding climate, and centralisation and standardisation of service delivery. Conclusion:We conclude that despite a focus upon integrated care in mental health policy, many features of current service delivery undermine the flexibility and informal relationships that typically underpin integration in rural communities.

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Understanding rural and remote health: A framework for analysis in Australia

Cited by 182 publications

References 37 publications

Is remote health different to rural health?

Is remote health different to rural health?

Role of art centres for Aboriginal Australians living with dementia in remote communities

Regional responses to the challenge of delivering integrated care to older people with mental health problems in rural Australia

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