Leader: Dr Anske Robinson

Offered

Gippsland First semester 2008 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

Concepts and principles of rural health practice and the impact on people in rural and remote areas. Definitions of rurality and their influence on health outcomes and access to health services. The nature of rural communities is examined and the health/illness patterns explored from a social and epidemiological framework. Structure and function of rural health care services and their role in maintaining the health status of individuals and communities. Rural practice from the point of view of the rural health professional, including consideration of personal and professional issues and on-going issues of recruiting and retaining health professionals in rural areas.

Objectives

On completion of this unit students will be able to:

1. Critically analyse definitions of 'rural' and 'remote' as they pertain to health;
2. Communicate and understand the impact social structures, roles and relationships have on the health and well-being of people living in rural and remote communities;
3. Use evidence to identify the factors which affect the health status of Australians living in rural and remote communities;
4. Engage in critical appraisal of the structures and processes involved in health services delivery in rural and remote areas;
5. Differentiate between the aspects of rural and remote practice that distinguish it from practice in the metropolitan setting;
6. Critically analyse the factors that affect the recruitment and retention of rural and remote practitioners.

Assessment

Case study of a rural/remote community - 3000-3500 words (50%)
Interview with a rural practitioner - 2500 words (35%)
Discussion forum (15%).