HS2401 - Rural and Remote Primary and Public Health Care

Available to all students enrolled in the Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology and Pharmacy programs. Also available to students in other programs through negotiation with the Head of School.

This subject introduces students to the principles and practices of primary health care and public health in the rural and remote Australian context. The student will gain an understanding of the nature of rural society and how these societies have changed over time, including the influences of economy, environment, geography and cultural diversity. Demography and demographic change and its impact on rural society and life will be discussed and the health status and the factors that influence the health of rural and remote Australians will be presented, including the health of Indigenous Australian peoples. The impact of Australian history upon Indigenous peoples will be introduced. Students will be introduced to the concept of cultural safety which includes basic communication principles for effective engagement with Indigenous Australian clients. Different models of primary health care service planning and delivery will be presented. Concepts for inter-professional teamwork practice will be introduced. Students will gain an understanding of policies affecting rural health as well as learning about the role of health professionals in work in rural and remote areas and the issues that they face. The content is applicable for health practice with rural and remote clients in urban or rural settings and contributes to fieldwork placement preparation.

Learning Outcomes

• Compare and contrast the health status and remote Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians and factors influencing health and health care needs;
• Develop an appreciation of how history impacts on the health issues of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in rural and remote regions;
• Develop effective communication and culturally safe health practices for working with diverse rural and remote populations;
• Identify different models of primary health care delivery in rural and remote communities and key policy influences;
• Examine rural and remote workforce issues and the inter-disciplinary role of health professionals in these settings.

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.