Program Overview

Introduction to the Rural Health Practitioner Research Development Program

The Rural Health Practitioner Research Development Program is an initiative of the Centre for Rural Health, aimed at addressing the disparity in health practitioner and service research in rural Australia. This program seeks to build the research skills and experience of health practitioners based in rural Tasmania.

Program Overview

The program invites health practitioners from rural locations to submit expressions of interest to participate in project-based opportunities. Applicants must be based in Tasmania (MMM 3-7), hold a university degree in a healthcare field, and have experience in rural health. They are required to suggest a research project topic that interests them or is of concern to their rural community.

Program Structure

Successful applicants will be connected to University of Tasmania research teams who are active in either a similar research area or experienced in the research methodology related to the interest of the applicant. They will be funded to engage in up to 140 hours as a level 1 research assistant to complete research activities with the research team. The exact scope of the work will depend on the project the participant is connected with and will involve various tasks according to the project requirements.

Priority Areas for Research

The program focuses on the following priority areas for rural health research:

• Rural health system improvements
• Innovative models of client-centred rural health care
• Strengthening rural health workforce
• Improving rural health outcomes

Program Details

The program is designed to support the development of health practitioners in rural areas by providing them with research experience and skills. The program is part of the Centre for Rural Health's efforts to address the gaps in the scientific evidence base specific to rural settings, necessary to drive evidence-based system reform to improve rural health and workforce disparities.

Acknowledgement

The University of Tasmania acknowledges the Palawa and Gadigal people, the Traditional Custodians of the land upon which we live and work, and honours their enduring culture and knowledges as vital to the self-determination, wellbeing, and resilience of their communities.