A new study from The University of Western Australia has highlighted the critical role of University Departments of Rural Health (UDRHs) in building a culturally safe rural health workforce to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Published in the international journal Healthcare, the review was led by staff from UWA’s Western Australian Centre for Rural Health (WACRH), in collaboration with researchers from three other UDRHs across Australia.
It analysed 46 peer-reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2021, examining how UDRHs contribute to Indigenous health through education, workforce support and community engagement.
Lead author Emma Taylor, from UWA's School of Health and Clinical Sciences and WACRH, said UDRHs are uniquely positioned to support a health workforce that understands and respects Indigenous cultures, histories and health needs.
“UDRHs have made substantial efforts to improve Indigenous health through curriculum design, student training, rural placement opportunities and workforce development,” Ms Taylor said.
A key finding of the review was the emphasis on enhancing cultural understanding among university health students, particularly through Indigenous health education and immersive rural clinical placements.
“The rural and remote settings of UDRHs provide unique opportunities for students to deepen their understanding of Indigenous cultures and health needs through community-based experiences,” Ms Taylor said.
The review also highlighted research undertaken by UDRHs which focused on improving cultural safety within the existing rural health workforce and supporting the recruitment and retention of Indigenous health professionals.
“This research reinforces the value of embedding Indigenous perspectives in health education and supporting a diverse, well-prepared rural health workforce,” she said.
The authors identified several areas for further research, including how UDRHs can better support Indigenous health students during their studies and placements, improve cultural safety in healthcare setting and enhance support for Indigenous health professionals.
As Australia’s health sector continues to address longstanding inequities, this study underscores the importance of supporting institutions like UDRHs in developing a culturally safe and responsive rural health workforce.
Photo caption: Emma Taylor from the UWA's WA Centre for Rural Health, a University Department of Rural Health based in Geraldton Western Australia.