ANNUAL REPORT - ARHEN · news for rural and remote Australia. This provides fertile ground for University Departments of Rural Health (UDRH) to make a difference – as we contribute

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ANNUAL REPORT2010 – 2011

ContentsChair’s Report 01

Our Organisation at a Glance 02

ARHEN Organisational Chart 03

Funding and Governance 04

ARHEN Board 05

Strategic Direction 06

ARHEN Activities 07

Staff Networks 10

UDRH Student Numbers 16

UDRH Staff Profile 16

ARHEN National Office 17

Appendix 1 – ARHEN Projects: From Incorporation to 2011 18

Appendix 2 – UDRH Staff Profile 20

Linking and supporting the UniversityDepartments of Rural Health across Australia

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ARHEN Annual Report 2010 – 2011

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Chair’s ReportThis has been an important year for ARHEN as the major reforms in the Australian healthcare system take shape.

The rollout of Medicare Locals brings with it the promise of greater coordination and integrationof the primary health care effort, with the new Local Health Networks providing the potential formore effective local decision making and regional networking of acute care services – all goodnews for rural and remote Australia. This provides fertile ground for University Departments ofRural Health (UDRH) to make a difference – as we contribute to, and provide leadership insupport of these developments.

ARHEN has been a regular contributor to policy discussions facilitated by Health WorkforceAustralia about the future rural and remote health workforce. We are making a very practicalcontribution to securing that workforce through the development of a new and innovative clinicaltraining model. ARHEN is advocating for the delivery of clinical training through service learningmodels and a greater investment in regionally based health career pipelines as strategies tooptimize workforce outcomes of the UDRH program. This approach is now being introduced inthe UDRH network and draws on strong partnerships with community organizations andregionally based service providers to develop new training opportunities that align studentplacement programs to areas of local health need. Our experience shows that this approach canresult in both improved community access to health care as well as enhanced student learning.Importantly it complements the Australian Government’s investment in medical student trainingthrough the Rural Clinical Schools Program, by providing similar opportunities for extendedplacements and enhanced learning to nursing and allied health students.

Another strong feature of ARHEN’s performance this year has been the work of our StaffNetworks, now seven in total, which help coordinate UDRH activities nationally and buildcapacity across the network. In particular I am pleased to report the recent establishment of theResearch Leaders’ Network, with its focus on ensuring the continued growth in the range andquality of applied research being undertaken by UDRHs. This research will both inform andchallenge how we might best organize and deliver health care in rural and remote Australia asthe reform agenda gains traction.

Finally I would like to acknowledge that ARHEN’s strong performance is possible because of theexcellent work and commitment of our National Director Janine Ramsay and Jane Lewington inCanberra, who harness the considerable wisdom and expertise in the UDRH network to achievegreat results.

David Lyle

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Our organisation at a glanceThe Australian Rural Health Education Network (ARHEN) was established in 2001 and isthe peak body for the 11 University Departments of Rural Health (UDRHs) located in ruraland regional areas in every State and the NT.

As a national peak body, ARHEN ensures organisational capacity for UDRHs, with strong networkingand linking of the UDRHs across Australia. It enhances liaison and engagement with the AustralianGovernment and other relevant bodies on issues pertaining to rural and remote health education,workforce and research.

The focus of the UDRHs is on expanding and enhancing the rural and remote health workforcethrough multidisciplinary education and training, research, professional support and servicedevelopment. Each UDRH caters specifically to the needs of their local region. UDRHs are wellestablished, diverse and complementary, forming the most significant rural health academicconsolidation in Australia.

While coordination and information sharing is core business for ARHEN, the emphasis of theorganisation is at the national strategic level including policy analysis and responses,submissions, representation and Staff Networks.

Vision and PurposeAchievement of better rural health through learning.

To lead and initiate the rural health agenda in the areas of education and research.

Our Key MessagesARHEN provides leadership in rural health education, research and innovation.

1. TEACHING. Clinical placements that provide experiences at the cutting edge of clinicaltraining. They provide an authentic learning experience that prepares students forprofessional practice that is broader than that in the standard clinical setting.

2. RESEARCH. Develop an evidence base for accessible and sustainable health services.

3. SERVICE. The role of UDRHs in building intellectual capital in their communities. UDRHscontribute to the whole community to respond to challenges of the modern rural and remotehealth environment.

Broken HillLismore

Warrnambool

Launceston

Mount IsaAlice Springs

GeraldtonWhyalla Shepparton

Moe

ARHEN National Office

Tamworth

ARHEN’S VISION

ITS GUIDING PURPOSE

OUR KEY MESSAGES

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ARHEN Organisational Chart3BOARD MEMBERSProfessor David Lyle – Chair – Broken Hill UDRH

Professor Sandy Thompson – Deputy Chair – Combined Universities Centre for Rural Health

Associate Professor Tony Smith – Treasurer – UDRH Northern NSW

Professor John Wakerman – Centre for Remote Health, joint Centre of Flinders University and Charles Darwin University

Professor James Dunbar – Greater Green Triangle UDRH, Flinders and Deakin Universities

Professor Judi Walker – Monash University Department of Rural and Indigenous Health

Associate Professor Tony Barnett – UDRH Department of Rural Health, University of Tasmania

Professor Jonathan Newbury – Spencer Gulf Rural Health School

Professor Sabina Knight – Mount Isa Centre for Rural and Remote Health

Professor Lesley Barclay – University Centre for Rural Health North Coast

Associate Professor David Pierce – UDRH Rural Health Academic Centre, The University of Melbourne

STAFF NETWORKSAboriginal Staff Alliance (ASA)Kym Thomas – Chair / Juli Coffin – Deputy Chair

Executive Officers (EOs) Jeanne Tahini – Chair

Mental Health Academics (MHA)Fiona Little – Chair

Pharmacist Academics at UniversityDepartments of Rural Health (PAUDRH) Chris Thompson – Chair

Research LeadersDavid Perkins – Chair

Rural Interprofessional Staff Network (RIPEN) Tony Smith – Chair

Student Placement Coordination Network (SPCN) Judy Riggs – Chair

STAKEHOLDERSMinisters and Commonwealthdepartments with portfolios relevant toUDRH business

Other health organisations, in particularrelating to rural health

ASIC

ARHEN OFFICEJanine Ramsay National Director

Jane Lewington Staff Network and Office Coordinator


Funding and GovernanceARHEN receives core funding from its membership – the 11 UDRHs who are funded bythe Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA).

In September 2010, following an external review, the Board endorsed an increase in UDRHmembership fees. This has enabled ARHEN to continue to advocate in the current health reformenvironment and to protect, prioritise and advance rural health education and knowledge brokeraround research. ARHEN also receives funding from time to time from government for projectsthat are managed by ARHEN. As an incorporated registered company under the CorporationsAct 2001, ARHEN provides audited financial statements to the Australian Securities andInvestments Commission (ASIC).

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2010 University of Wollongong Cultural Walk

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ARHEN BoardThe ARHEN Board is responsible for overseeing the activities of ARHEN. It also operates asa means of information exchange and as a ‘learning network’ for members.

The Board meets four times a year, including teleconferences and at least one face to facemeeting in a regional area. In the period July 2010 to September 2011, the Board had face toface meetings in Broken Hill, Perth (combined with attendance at the National Rural HealthConference) and Moe. Each UDRH has a member on the ARHEN Board, usually the Director.

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Members of the Board

Professor Judi Walker Professor James Dunbar Professor Jonathan Newbury Professor John Wakerman

Assoc Professor David Pierce Professor Sandra Thompson Professor Sabina Knight

Professor David Lyle Professor Lesley Barclay Assoc Professor Tony Barnett Assoc Professor Tony SmithChair


Strategic DirectionThe goals and associated strategies for ARHEN are in the Strategic Plan 2011 – 2013 as follows:

Provide leadership and strategic direction in rural health education and researchStrategy 1.1 – Influence education, research and teaching in rural health education throughleading and promoting UDRH perspectives and ensuring the UDRH approach is responsive to,and shaped by, the external environment.

Strategy 1.2 – Collaborate and network with other key stakeholders at the national level onissues of shared interest.

Strengthen the UDRH network through coordination and communicationStrategy 2.1 – Coordinate and provide timely information and communication on relevant ruraland remote health education, research and workforce issues.

Strategy 2.2 – Encourage collaboration and information sharing through development of staffnetworks.

Provide advocacy through a national voice and conduit for members Strategy 3.1 – Provide shared strategic input on key national issues relevant to rural andremote health and education.

Strategy 3.2 – Advocate to ensure the UDRH agenda is prioritized in the health reformenvironment and represent members in the national arena.

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GOAL 1

GOAL 2

GOAL 3

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ARHEN ActivitiesOver the reporting period, ARHEN has met its vision through implementing the goals inits Strategic Plan. Key achievements are outlined below.

Provide leadership and strategic direction in rural health education and researchARHEN advocated on behalf of its members and participated in a range of initiatives to provideleadership and strategic direction in rural health education and research.

Given our commitment to ensuring the health workforce needs of rural and remote areas areaddressed by any national strategies, a focus has been Health Workforce Australia (HWA) and itstraining initiatives and consultancies. This has included:

• Meeting with and submissions to HWA consultants to ensure ARHEN views were taken intoaccount in the Mapping Clinical Placements and Integrated Regional Clinical TrainingNetworks (IRTCNs) consultancies.

• Correspondence and meetings with HWA, including the CEO and members of the Executive,on a range of issues including the Clinical Training Funding and SLE work programs andIRCTNs.

• Submission to HWA’s National Health Workforce Innovation and Reform Strategic Frameworkfor Action, with UDRHs also participating in the face to face consultations, plus provision ofstatistics from representative UDRHs on clinical placements in rural and remote areas.

• Submission to HWA proposing a new and innovative approach to the delivery of clinicaltraining by UDRHs through a service learning model.

The ARHEN Board Chair, Professor David Lyle, hosted a visit toBroken Hill UDRH by a member of the HWA Executive and histeam, to facilitate an understanding of the service learning modeland UDRH business more generally. At HWA’s suggestion, ARHENmet with DoHA representatives regarding the model andrecommended a greater investment in regionally based healthcareer pipelines to optimise the rural health workforce outcomesof the UDRH program.

ARHEN has continued to collaborate and share information onnational issues of shared interest with other stakeholders, suchas the AGPN forum on Medicare Locals and the NEHTA facilitatedconsultation for rural stakeholder groups on Personally ControlledElectronic Health Records (PCEHR).

In addition, the possible future establishment of a peak rural health education body has beendiscussed by ARHEN with FRAME. Consequently, a meeting of a collaborative group from thetwo organisations in late 2011 endorsed that ARHEN should take the lead on exploring thenotion of a national learned society through convening a small group and development of anoptions paper.

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GOAL 1

Professor David Lyle (Chair, ARHEN) and Professor Judi Walker (Chair, FRAME)


ARHEN Activities (continued)

Over the reporting period, ARHEN has met its vision through implementing the goals inits Strategic Plan. Key achievements are outlined below.

Strengthen the UDRH Network through coordination and communicationARHEN has continued to facilitate communication at a range of levels – to the Board, acrossUDRHs, to the members of the seven Staff Networks, and of course to external stakeholders.This includes ensuring that UDRH staff and Staff Networks have up to date and timelyinformation and analysis on relevant rural and remote health education, workforce and researchissues, with a focus on issues at the national level.

A suite of plans, comprising Strategic, Communications and Operational Plans, have providedan important framework for coordination and communication by ARHEN. The newCommunications Plan has ensured a comprehensive approach to communication both withinARHEN and with external interest groups. During this reporting period, two projects forimproved communication were identified and finalised, with both funded by DoHA. These were:

• An updated ARHEN brochure on UDRH opportunities – for student distribution, including atstudent events by the National Rural Health Students Network and by UDRHs.

• An improved ARHEN website – to better facilitate stakeholder access to information.

In relation to the Board, comprehensive quarterly reports havebeen provided at Board meetings by the Chair and NationalDirector against the ARHEN Operational Plan, which is mapped tothe goals and strategies in the Strategic Plan and includeactivities from the Communications Plan. These reports provideupdates on ARHEN activities by both Board members and theNational Office.

The seven active Staff Networks are a vital component of ARHENand encourage and facilitate collaboration and information sharingacross a range of professional interests. More information isprovided on the Networks later in this report (pg 10).

Projects have continued to be an important part of ARHEN, with thefollowing externally funded projects completed during 2010-2011:

• The monograph A Bright Future for Rural Health: Evidence-based policy and practice in ruraland remote Australian health care edited by Ann Larson and David Lyle – All copies weredistributed and the document continues to be downloaded by users from the ARHEN website.

• The project Mental Health Services in Rural and Remote Australia – Recruitment andRetention of Rural Health Professionals aimed to improve mental health services in rural andremote Australia through a project focusing on recruitment and retention of mental healthprofessionals in those regions. The three components were Supervisor Training, EarlyRecruitment Pilot and Distance Training Pilot. This project was developed and managed bythe Mental Health Academics (MHA) Network.

A complete list of projects completed by ARHEN since incorporation is at Appendix 1.

As the peak body for UDRHs, ARHEN is well placed to coordinate UDRH views and facilitate asingle viewpoint on specific issues if required. For example, in response to a request from DoHAin July 2010, ARHEN coordinated UDRH comments on possible areas for change in the UDRHProgram in 2011, including comments on the draft UDRH funding schedule. The new UDRHfunding schedule commenced on 1 July 2011.

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GOAL 2

ARHEN Board meeting at Moe – September 2011

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ARHEN Activities (continued)

Over the reporting period, ARHEN has met its vision through implementing the goals inits Strategic Plan. Key achievements are outlined below.

Provide advocacy through a national voice and conduit for membersARHEN has advocated at the national level on a number of issues relating to education/teachingand research on behalf of UDRHs. Lobbying has occurred across a range of stakeholdersthrough written advocacy/submissions, workshop participation, teleconferences and face toface meetings.

As mentioned previously, ARHEN has focused during this reporting period on a number of issuesrelating to HWA’s charter. Consequently, the ARHEN Board is represented on two important HWAcommittees – the Higher Education Standing Advisory Committee and the National RegionalRural and Remote Workforce Expert Reference Group. ARHEN has also participated inconsultations on HWA’s new Rural and Remote Health Workforce Strategy, provided a formalsubmission on the national Innovation and Reform Strategic Framework for Action, andparticipated in several National Training Plan workshops.

To ensure the UDRH profile is not only maintained but enhanced, ARHEN has participated in awide range of meetings at the national level with various stakeholder groups, such as theNational Rural Health Alliance. The Board Chair and National Director have met with Ministerialadvisors and senior government officials on a regular basis over the reporting period, andreported outcomes to the Board. Issues have included IRCTNs and the ARHEN Aboriginal StaffAlliance’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Academic proposal. Also, the PrimaryHealth Care Research Evaluation and Development (PHCRED) Research Capacity BuildingInitiative (RCBI), which provided funding to UDRHs, ceased at the end of 2010 and wasredirected into a competitive grants program delivered via Centres of Research Excellence(CREs) administered by APHCRI. ARHEN was involved in discussions and lobbying to establishthe implications of these changes and influence new directions to be taken by UDRHs.

ARHEN has also advocated at the following:

• Minister Roxon’s National Rural Health Stakeholder Forum in late 2010.

• Through ARHEN’s representative on the National Rural Health Alliance – formerly Dr DennisPashen, and since September 2010 – Professor Lesley Barclay.

As a national voice and conduit for UDRHs, ARHEN had a significant role in leading the lobbyingfor the future of the PAUDRH program when advice was received in mid 2010 that it was to beceased. This has included providing information, meeting and negotiating with DoHA andPharmacy Guild representatives. As a result, from January 2012 there will be a UDRH specificprogram replacing the PAUDRH Program and called the Rural Pharmacy Liaison Program (RPLO).

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GOAL 3


Staff NetworksDuring 2010-2011, there were seven Staff Networks, each with individual terms of referenceand Chair. The Research Leaders Network is a new Network which was established in thesecond half of 2011 following a recommendation by the ARHEN Board.

To better administratively support the Networks, a new position of a part-time Staff Networkand Office Coordinator was filled in January 2011. The Coordinator, Jane Lewington, works withNetwork Chairs, including organising meeting timetables.

Each Staff Network comprises members from the 11 UDRHs and provides a vehicle to shareinformation and learn from each other regarding professional issues and specific areas ofinterest such as mental health, student placements and UDRH business administration. Theindividual Networks act as an advisory, advocacy and action group to enhance respect andcredibility, transfer knowledge, resources and support and to raise the profile of health issues,research and education. Each Network aims to engage in consultation and continually developcollaborative pathways and partnerships, plus to:

• acknowledge significant bodies of work/act for UDRHs in different areas;

• provide advice and feedback to Board;

• provide strategic focus for the Network (ie Board);

• foster collaboration across UDRHs/professional development; and

• increase the profile of rural and remote health practice relevant to area of focus.

Networks may take a leading role in identifying potential research projects, gaps and issueswithin health, education and research matters relevant to their field. They may also be involvedin developing and establishing projects and document development such as position papers.Specific examples are included in the reports on the following pages.

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Staff Networks (continued)

Reports from Networks – 2011

(i) Student Placement Coordinators Network (SPCN)In 2010 Dr Sandy Thompson, CUCRH Director, canvassed other UDRH directors about theirsupport to re-establish the SPCN. It was felt the SPCN would provide opportunities to share andlearn from each other at a time of significant changes to the education and health sectorsacross state and federal levels.

The SPCN held its first teleconference in September 2010 and an action from that meeting wasfor the SPCN to be a standing item on the ARHEN Board agenda. In November 2010, there wasa satellite meeting for SPCN members and in 2011 members met via teleconference and at theNational Rural Health Alliance conference in Perth.

Agenda items for discussion in 2011 have included but are not limited to HWA, UDRH studentsurvey, student expos, accommodation and SPCN terms of reference. One item of businessarising from the final teleconference for 2011 is the commitment by members to update anexisting spread sheet that contains information of what each UDRH offers.

The SPCN appreciates the support of UDRH Directors and their recognition of the importance ofsuch a network. It is acknowledged that keeping networks going can be challenging but it isheartening to note that SPCN member’s attendance and interest in the teleconferences has notdwindled. I am confident that as we use the network to share and learn about each other and ourchanging environment with its unique challenges and opportunities the SPCN will be able to operatein a more strategic manner. Finally many thanks to Jane and Janine for their wonderful support.

Judy Riggs – Chair

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(ii) Rural Interprofessional Education Network (RIPEN)The Rural Interprofessional Staff Network (RIPEN)’s invigoration began in March 2011 with aninformal meeting at the National Rural Health Alliance Conference in Perth. A number of peoplemet from UDRHs, along with some interested parties from other Universities. The group committedto surveying the UDRHs to determine what each UDRH is doing in relation to InterprofessionalLearning (IPL), with the aim to convert this information into a journal article in 2012.

In late 2011, the Network fully supported a request for Rural Clinical School staff to be includedin the RIPEN group, and amended the Terms of Reference to reflect this change in membership.The development of an IPL forum as part of the proposed Learning and Teaching Symposium isa continued focus for the group into 2012. The year has been a good year to cultivate interest inIPL via the RIPEN group, with the view to developing some solid research in the journal article in2012 to progress the group into 2012.

Tony Smith – Chair

(iii) Pharmacist Academics at University Departments ofRural Health (PAUDRH)Following advice that the PAUDRH program was to be ceased, there has been strongrepresentation by ARHEN to achieve a rural pharmacy program with workforce outcomesincluding a strong education focus. Subsequently, UDRHs were invited to apply for a new RuralPharmacy Liaison Officer (RPLO) program funded through the Fifth Community PharmacyAgreement. By late December, UDRHs had been advised that they were successful in achievingprogram funding, with some subject to negotiation.

The Network has welcomed several new members and these people have hit the floor running,making very significant contributions to the network’s activities. Regular contact occurs viamonthly teleconferences with possible research projects and collaborations with otherprofessions are regular topics for discussion

Chris Thompson – Chair

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(iv) Mental Health Academics (MHA)The MHA Network has grown in its strength to work collaboratively and has continued toconsistently meet the key objectives outlined for this role. Projects in 2010 have beensuccessfully initiated with the development of three joint projects between UDRHs acrossAustralia. The first of these was the development of a self-directed supported training syllabusfor the supervisors of remote clinical psychologists and mental health nurses in training. Thesecond involved the implementation of a Low Intensity CBT project, and the third was related toworkforce development in the Gippsland region.

Collaboration between members of the MHA Network has continued throughout 2011. Keycollaborations include the successful development of the Mental Health Online Forum which isdesigned to further improve communication between the MHA roles. Finally the recentdevelopment of the Mental Health Tertiary Curriculum project, due to commence in 2012, willexamine and provide recommendations to improve mental health clinical placement for allhealth disciplines across regional rural and remote Australia.

These examples are a few of the outcomes achieved through the high standard of workconducted by the MHAs across Australia. Each member of the MHA Network demonstrates astrong commitment to their role. This includes ongoing investigation into issues relating toaccess to mental health services, improving the mental health workforce through the provisionof professional development and continuing to maintain a strong community focus.

The MHAs continue to meet on a bi-monthly basis and attend a face to face meeting once ayear. In late 2011, the MHA showcased the achievements of the role from its inception (in 2007)at the 3rd Rural and Remote Mental Health Symposium.

Fiona Little – Chair

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(v) Executive Officers (EOs)The Executive Officers (EOs) Network has continued to be a forum to support the business ofthe UDRHs. The opportunity to discuss shared project areas has continued to enhance thedelivery of services. The main areas of discussion this year have been in the areas of DoHAInfrastructure Grants; Student Placements; Finance and Administration. The commitment bymembers to the EOs Network has made it a good opportunity for communication on issuesacross all UDRHs and is the basis for its success in 2010 – 2011.

In March 2011, the ARHEN EO network met at Perth to coincide with the National Rural HealthAlliance Conference. The EO group agreed this annual face to face meeting in addition to the bi-monthly teleconferenced meetings is an excellent way to meet each other directly and shareUDRH business processes. This year the group were made aware of the new studentapplication system implemented by Spencer Gulf UDRH; suggested methods to gather data forthe UDRH KPI Reports required by the Department of Health and Ageing and understandingwhat is required in the KPI Report.

The EO Network has developed into a strong supportive network for each of the members andwill continue to provide this support. From the end of 2011, the role of Chair of the EOs Networkwill transfer to Jeanne Tahini.

Mandy Royle – Chair

(vi) Aboriginal Staff Alliance (ASA) formerly Indigenous StaffNetwork – Executive Group2011 started with the aim to increase attendance and interest in the ISN. This aim wasachieved with a successful face to face meeting in Adelaide on 8 November. With the exceptionof two, all UDRHs were represented. The main areas of discussion and follow up action itemswere in the areas of Cultural Security/Safety/Awareness; working with other Aboriginalorganisations; a change of name for the group to the Aboriginal Staff Alliance – inclusive ofTorres Strait and Islander peoples, and to change the identifier for the group to Aboriginal ratherthat Indigenous; a decision to re-invite previous ISN members to participate in future meetings;an interest in better representation to and on the ARHEN Board; and reinvigoration of the ISNHealth Academic Proposal.

The efforts earlier in the year have paid off in the success of the face to face meeting andrenewal of the group for 2012.

Kym Thomas – ChairJuli Coffin – Deputy Chair

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Kym Thomas – Chair

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(vii) Research Leaders NetworkIn March 2011, the ARHEN Board agreed that key research leaders in UDRHs should meet andconsider how to develop research in rural and remote areas over the next 3 to 5 years throughestablishment of a Research Leaders Network. The new Network was convened in August witha second meeting in October. The terms of reference are to:

1 Promote UDRH research activity and uptake of research findings by government and acrossthe rural health sector. Lobby and advocate for the importance of funding rural healthresearch, with the funding to be based in rural areas.

2 Share ideas or opportunities for collaborative research within the group (ie. as potentialpartners). To facilitate this, research interests may be placed on the ARHEN website.

3 Consider how the Research Leaders Network can help to build research capacity withinUDRHs. Promote research capacity building in the UDRH Network; Develop researchopportunities for higher degree students.

4 To assist in building research leadership both in terms of expertise in research anddeveloping future capacity in rural health research.

Issues arising from meetings to date include research leadership within UDRHs and somediscussion on the Rural Scientific Sympoisum scheduled for 2012. A current project, led byKaniz Gausia from CUCRH, is examining research published in the past 3 years by UDRHs (usingUDRH KPI reports as a basis). There has been a meeting to consider methodology, and a firstdraft is anticipated in March. It is expected that this piece of work will assist ARHEN to advocateon behalf of the research role of UDRHs.

David Perkins – Chair

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UDRH Student NumbersThe information provided on UDRH student numbers has been compiled by Dr GaryMisan, Consultant, from information in the KPI reports provided by the UDRHs to theCommonwealth Department of Health and Ageing covering the period from 2004 – 2010. The data indicates that the UDRH program has supported a substantialnumber of students across Australia, thus providing an essential building block for therural and remote health workforce.

The UDRH program supported over 30,000undergraduate students during the period 2004 – 2010, 15% of which were short stayplacements (less than 2 weeks) and theremainder long stay ( 2 or more weeks). Thenumber of short placements has increasedby approximately 42% over the period withlonger placements (greater than 2 weeks)increasing by 34.5%.

Undergraduate domestic students form byfar the largest component of the studentgroup, with overall student numbersincreasing at an average rate of about 7%from 3475 students in 2004 to 5393 in2010 (Figure 1).

The total number of placement weeksprovided by the program is approximately130,000 with the majority again being fordomestic undergraduate students. Themajority of placements (85%) are for longerthan 2 weeks (Figure 2).

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UDRH STAFF PROFILEThe 2010-2011 UDRH staff profile is at Appendix 2 (page 20).

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Annual UDRH undergraduate Domestic student numbers

458 519 511783 831 634 786

3017 3071 3241

34583876 4373

4607

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Calendar year

No.

of S

tude

nts

< 2 weeks 2 weeks plus

Annual UDRH undergraduate Domestic student weeks of placement

465 486 612 821 960 644 847

1373714970

16611 1574217351

1981921605

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Calendar year

No.

of w

eeks

< 2 weeks 2 weeks plus

Figure 1. Annual UDRH undergraduate, domestic student numbers

Figure 2. Annual UDRH undergraduate, domestic student weeks of placement

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11 ARHEN NATIONAL OFFICEStaff in the ARHEN National Office, Canberra are:• National Director – Janine Ramsay

(pictured right)• Staff Network and Office Coordinator

– Jane Lewington (pictured left)

Student numbers were broken downinto key categories comprising nursing,medicine and allied health for furtheranalysis for the period 2004-2010(Figure 3).

Nursing and allied health numbers demonstrated a steady increase over the period whilemedical student numbers, which peaked in 2007, have declined slowly and are the smallestproportion of the total for the three groups. This may reflect the uptake of medical students byRural Clinical Schools,which continue to expand.

Nursing students made up the largest discipline group (40%) followed by medicine (31%) andallied health (29%). Nursing and allied health student numbers have been increasing steadilysince 2004.

The top 5 allied health disciplines supported by the UDRH program are physiotherapy,pharmacy, occupational health, dietetics/nutrition and dentistry/oral health, who make up 81%of the total allied health student numbers.

In relation to postgraduate students, domestic students accounted for 4.9% of overall domesticstudent numbers. CRH had the highest number of domestic and Indigenous students, with GGThosting the majority of International postgraduates. In 2010, CRH hosted 40% of the total ofpostgraduate students, with nursing students the predominant postgraduate discipline.

Calendar year

No.

of S

tude

nts

Annual, Domestic, undergraduate, key discipline group student numbers

1486 1573

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Nursing Medicine Allied health

12211341

1557 1535

1986 1948

2386

11511323

1104

15921471

1383

1103

926

1091 11141250

1624

Figure 3. Annual domestic undergraduate students by discipline group


Project

Development of the ARHEN Mental HealthAcademics Online Forum, 2011

ARHEN Website Upgrade,2011

Development of UDRH Promotional Brochure,2011

Improving Mental Health Services in Rural andRemote Australia – Recruitment and Retention ofRural Health Professionals (3 components), 2011

A Bright Future for Rural Health: Evidence-basedPolicy and Practice in Rural and RemoteAustralian Health Care, 2010

The Development of Web-based Resources forRural and Remote Health Professionals tosupport Chronic Disease Self-ManagementProgram (known as RISEN project), 2010

Promotion at National Rural Health Conference,Cairns and ARHEN information leaflet, 2009

Evaluation of the Amity Communities Alcohol andOther Drug Indigenous Communities Project,2009

A Textbook of Australian Rural Health, Editors:Liaw S-T, Kilpatrick S, ARHEN, Canberra, 2008.

University Department of Rural Health StudentPlacement and Satisfaction Project. Burch J,Newman V, ARHEN, 2007

Rural Undergraduate Placement andAccommodation Audit. Burch J, Newman V,ARHEN, 2007.

Retailers Responsible Sale of Solvents Project inthe Northern Territory, Evaluation Report.Entwistle P, Piper K, Ford S, ARHEN, 2007

Participants

Gelaye Nadew (CUCRH),Jem Mills (UCRH), WalterEddows (Independent Consultant);ARHEN NO: Jane Lewington, Janine Ramsay

Ben Brillante (Consultant – BENS Creative Studio);ARHEN NO: Jane Lewington, Janine Ramsay

Damien Collis (Consultant – Collis Design)ARHEN NO: Jane Lewington, Janine Ramsay

(1) MICRRH (Russell Hawkins) & Nth Rivers UDRH(Fiona Little): Supervisor Training; (2) MUDRIH(Darryl Mayberry): Early Recruitment Pilot; (3) NthRivers UDRH (James Bennett-Levy) & MICRRH(Russell Hawkins): Distance Training PilotARHEN NO: Janine Ramsay

Reference Group: Ann Larson and David Lyle(editors) plus Lesley Barclay, John Wakerman,James Dunbar, Janelle StirlingARHEN NO: Janine Ramsay, Vicky Newman

ARHEN NO: Vicky NewmanUDRH NNSW: Tony SmithSGRHS: Gary MisanMUDRIH: Janice Chesters

ARHEN NO: Janine Ramsay

CRH: Phil Entwistle, Karen Piper

Editing Group: Teng Liaw [UoM]; Sue Kilpatrick[UTAS]; Peter Jones [Tamworth]; Dennis Pashen[MICRRH]; Jonathan Newbury [SGRHS]. ARHEN: Joy Burch, Vicky Newman

ARHEN: Vicky Newman, Joy Burch

ARHEN: Vicky Newman, Joy Burch

CRH: Phil Entwistle, Karen Piper, Sarah Ford.

Funding

DoHA$25,000 GST incl

DoHA$5,000 GST incl

DoHA$6,710 GST incl




DoHA$9,200 GST incl


DoHA$164,000

DoHA$38,200

DoHA $61,300

DoHA $39,700

ARHEN Projects: From Incorporation to 2011APPENDIX 1

19

Project

More Allied Health Service ProgramReview.Larson A, Stirling C, Burch J, ARHEN,2007

Raising Depression Awareness in Rural andRemote Health Professionals and Students.Salinger J, ARHEN & Beyondblue, 2007

Development national KPI database, 2007

Opportunities as Vast as the Landscape, workingin rural and remote health, ARHEN, 2006

National Stock-take of Eye Health Equipment inDesignated Aboriginal Community ControlledHealth Services, ARHEN, 2006

Mid-term Review of the Aboriginal and TorresStrait Islander Health Workforce NationalStrategic Framework, ARHEN, 2006

Rural Health Support, Education and Training(RHSET) Grants Program. Graduate AssistanceAnd Partnerships Program (GAPP) Final Report,2006

General Practice Hospital Integration in Rural andRemote Australia: Literature Review. Webber, KM,ARHEN, 2005

General Practice Hospital Integration in Rural andRemote Australia: Case Study Results. Webber,KM ARHEN, 2005

General Practice Hospital Integration in Rural andRemote Australia: Summary of Findings. Webber,KM, ARHEN, 2005

General practice and hospital mental health careintegration: Issues in rural and remote SouthAustralia: Summary of Findings. Taylor J,Edwards J, Guest M, ARHEN Canberra, 2005

Graduate Assistance and Partnerships Program(GAPP), 2004-2006

Development of ARHEN corporate video, 2003

Participants

ARHEN: Joy Burch CUCRH: Ann LarsonUTAS: Christine Sterling

ARHEN: Jodi Salinger

ARHEN: Joy Burch; CUCRH

Working Group: James Dunbar [GGT]; JonathanNewbury [SGRHS]; Dennis Pashen [MICRRH];Sabina Knight [CRH].ARHEN: Joy Burch

ARHEN: Joy Burch. On site UDRH: Ann Dunbar [GGT]; Dennis Pashen[MICRRH]; Max Chalmers [CRH]; Gary Misan[SGRHS]; Helen Liddle [CRH]; Liz Brain [CUCRH];Renee Blackman [MICRRH]; Paul Bennet[BHUDRH]; Wendy Hermensten [NRUDRH]

ARHEN: Joy BurchTamworth: Michael Morrissey

ARHEN: Joy Burch

ARHEN: Kim Webber

ARHEN: Kim Webber [NRUDRH]On site UDRH: GGT; SGRHS; MUDRIH; UoM;CUCRH; CRH; UTAS.

ARHEN: Kim Webber

ARHEN through SGRHS Judy Taylor, JaneEdwards, Marie Guest

ARHEN: Joy Burch, Simone Bartropp

ARHEN

Funding

DoHA$172,000

Beyondblue$30,300

DoHA$10,000

DoHA$73,200Reprint $44,100

DoHA$105,400

DoHA$90,600

ARHEN

DoHA$304,170*

*included in funds

*included in funds

DoHA$49,450

DoHA$150,150

DoHA$20,500


BH UDRH

CRH

CUCRH

GGT

MICRRH

MUDRIH

NRUDRH

SGRHS

UoM

Tamworth

UTAS

ARHEN

Staff totalUDRH

FT count

19

22

18

13

14

16

20

13

7

17

8

1

PT count

15

11

17

21

11

25

29

8

14

13

15

1

Research active Teaching staff Indigenousstaff

Higher degrees in progress / completed – staff & students

S’prvised by UDRH

9

5

11

3

5

32

4

0

5

1

23

Using UDRH facilities

0

8

6

2

1

0

2

2

5

1

23

FTE

8

10.25

9

9

3.3

12.6

6.1

1.2

11.9

6

6

Count

21

13

15

11

9

15

18

2

20

6

11

FTE

8

7.0

9

3.1

2.1

16.7

1.95

2.5

1.7

6

1

Count

19

15

10

5

5

23

6

3

8

11

1

Count

3

3

9

0

5

2

5

2

1

3

1

ARHEN UDRH Staff Profile for 2010 – 2011APPENDIX 2

Definitions for UDRH Profile

1. Total number of staff.

2. Total number of FT staff. A count of number of full time individual/s on UDRH payroll.

3. Total number of staff PT. A count of number of part time individual/s on UDRH payroll

4. Research active is defined staff, on UDRH payroll, whose job description includes research activity.

5. Research active FTE. The total FTE of staff on UDRH payroll that fit the research active definition.

6. Research active count. A count of the number of individual/s on UDRH payroll who fit the research active definition

7. Teaching active is defined staff whose job description includes education activity.

8. Teaching staff FTE. A count of number of full time individual/s on UDRH payroll.

9. Teaching staff PT. A count of number of part time individual/s on UDRH payroll.

21

UDRH staffproviding clinicalservices

Profession background of staffJoint/adjunct/hon’appointments thru’UDRH

Sites withresident staff

Count

11

8

3

5

4

0

5

0

5

15

1

DR

5

1

4

3

3

1

6

1

1

2

0

RN

5

9

5

4

3

6

6

3

6

1

2

AH

7

7

3

2

3

8

3

0

9

12

2

AHW

2

0

2

0

1

1

0

2

0

0

0

ED

4

5

2

5

0

5 Other 10

1

0

5

0

0

Count

19

8

7

11

4

1

47

7

31

0

5

Count

1

3

2

4

1

1 UDRH 4 other

3

5

6

4

3

Definitions for UDRH Profile

10. Indigenous staff. A count of number of individual/s on UDRH payroll. Indigenous staff are also included in other categoriescounts – eg teaching /research active; higher degrees; proving clinical services etc.

11. Higher degrees definition – post graduate degrees eg masters, PhDs. To include staff and students, not counted in KPI 1 and 2that UDRH are supporting in some manner.

12. No. Higher degrees staff and students. Supervised by UDRH staff. This is a count of individual/s enrolled in a higher degreewho are supervised by staff/associates of the UDRH.

13. No. Higher degrees staff and students. Using UDRH facilities. This is a count of individual/s enrolled in a higher degree notsupervised by the UDRH but using UDRH facilities in some way.

14. No. of UDRH staff providing clinical services. A count of individuals who are on UDRH payroll and also work in clinical practicein a health service.

15. Professional background of staff. Professional background of staff on UDRH payroll. DR = medical degree; RN = registerednurse; AH = any allied health discipline; AHW = Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker; ED = teaching oreducation background.

16. No. of joint/adjunct/ honorary appointments: A count of the number of individuals who predominantly work outside the UDRHbut have a recognised position within the UDRH.

17. No. of sites with resident staff. This is a count of UDRH facilities with staff located on site

NB: Staff have been counted staff from other sources eg PHCRED as without UDRH they would not exist. 0 = NA or no value or not known

ARHENAustralian Rural Health Education Network

PO Box 242Deakin ACT 2600Phone: 02 6282 2166www.arhen.org.au

Documents

ANNUAL REPORT - ARHEN · news for rural and remote Australia. This provides fertile ground for University Departments of Rural Health (UDRH) to make a difference – as we contribute